Doctors say we can avoid diseases like heart attacks and strokes. These are the biggest causes of death. A study from researchers said over 99 per cent of people who had a heart attack or stroke had at least one warning sign. These signs include high blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking and drinking. People can reduce these. The most effective lifestyle changes are to eat a healthier diet, to exercise, and to quit smoking and drinking.

The study analyzed health records of more than nine million people. Nearly all of the patients could have avoided a heart attack or stroke. The lead researcher said: "There is a small number of [changeable] risk factors for heart disease, and…often more than one is present…leading up to heart attacks or strokes." He said we needed to look at the things that lead to heart attacks. The goal is to work on finding ways to control risk factors.