By Michael Thompson, Contriubting writer

Heart disease risk factors often are divided into the groupings of heredity and behavior.

Some heart disease risks are inherited through genetics, although researchers still are trying to pin down the nature of these specific genes. Risks linked to behavior are well publicized, ranging from lack of exercise to overeating and smoking.

However, some behaviors are inherited, in another way. Research and surveys show that offspring of people who rarely exercise are more likely to rarely exercise, according to the American Heart Association and numerous other sources. By the same token, children of smokers are more likely to start smoking, and offspring of overeaters are more likely to overeat.

People have no control over their genetics. Men are at greater genetic risk of heart attacks during early and middle age. On the other hand, women who suffer heart attacks are genetically more likely than men to die within a few weeks, especially at the ages of 65 and older. People of African-American heritage are more likely to possess high blood pressure than people of other ethnicities.

How To Change

Behaviors, on the other hand, are controllable. This can be easier said than done. Consider the example of smoking. Someone who grows up in a family of smokers not only is more likely to smoke, but if they attempt to quit, they also will encounter more temptation. This is because they will have more interaction with others who continue to light up.

Here are some suggestions that may promote behavior changes to reduce the risks of heart disease and heart attacks:

Be scared straight The phrase "scared straight" originally was coined for the strategy of bringing young people into jails and prisons so that the experience would create a fear factor regarding the consequences of crime. In a similar vein, a visit to a hospital ward might encourage someone to stop smoking, change his diet and to get some exercise.

Join a support group Alcoholics Anonymous isn't the only "anonymous" support group. Support groups also exist for smoking and overeating. As for physical fitness, even the smallest communities are homes to health clubs and gymnasiums.

3. Measure progress. People sometimes change their behaviors suddenly, but the "cold turkey" scenario is rare. It's going to take time, so don't give up because of a lack of immediate progress. A simple loss of two pounds can be celebrated, for example, or a goal of circling the 400-meter track in less than two minutes.

Reduce stress Everyone knows that smoking and becoming obese are not healthy, but doctors and researchers say people have less awareness of the dangers of stress. Situations that promote stress can't always be eliminated, but they can be managed.

Finally, you may have heard that a daily alcoholic drink can reduce heart disease risk. Some studies have borne this out, while others have not. At any rate, the possible differences are small. Therefore, doctors and health groups in no way recommend that a nondrinker should start drinking. Leave well enough alone!