There is growing scientific evidence that chronic stress can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. People with prolonged levels of high stress tend to have high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Why does chronic stress have this effect? Part of the answer lies in the nature of driven, stress-filled lifestyles. It's difficult to make and keep resolutions that promote wellness while living life "in the fast lane". People under a lot of stress tend to make unhealthy choices in an attempt to cope, including things like increasing alcohol consumption, smoking, and eating "junk" food frequently.

The key to breaking this negative cycle is to find healthy ways to cope with the pressures of life. Regular exercise not only helps relieve stress, it promotes physical and mental health.

Regular, moderate intensity exercise is one of the most important components of good health - and not just physical health. More and more studies are confirming the positive benefits of regular aerobic exercise on mental and emotional health as well.

A moderately paced 20-30 minute walk, three times a week, will significantly improve your cardiac health. Walking is also a great way to keep your weight in a healthy range. The chemicals released in the brain during exercise, called endorphins, have a calming effect, which promotes mental and emotional well-being.

Overall, regular moderate exercise is one of the easiest ways to improve your quality of life and longevity, particularly when combined with a diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

When it comes to heart disease, lifestyle is usually more significant than genetics, according to noted genetic researcher Dr. Robert Hegele. For about five per cent of patients, the effect of genetics is so strong there is little they can do, but that 95 per cent of us can override our genes by following a healthy lifestyle.

"Even if you've been dealt a bad hand of genes, it's not a life sentence for most people," says Dr. Hegele. "Simple actions - basic things like smoking cessation, following a healthy diet, and physical activity - are the key to overturning genetic predisposition."

If heart disease runs in your family, don't run from the fact - just be sure you make healthy lifestyle choices. If you do, the odds are good that your heart will keep running for a long time!

A healthy diet low in fat, high in fiber, low in cholesterol and high in antioxidants has multiple health benefits. According to the Canadian Heart Association, healthy foods that are high in fiber include whole grains, legumes, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

While it is important to know what healthy food choices are available, it also is wise to be aware of poor food choices that need to be limited or eliminated. Foods containing saturated and/or trans fats, and high cholesterol foods are in this category, as are most fast foods and processed foods.

Foods listed as being high in saturated fat and cholesterol include organ meats, eggs, deep fried foods, red meats including lamb, beef, pork and veal, whole fat dairy products, cheesecakes, cream pies, pecan pies and boxed cake mixes.