3 steps to a healthier heart:

"Get out the tape measure.

People who carry weight in their midsections are at a higher risk for heart disease; now experts know just how much belly fat is bad. A recent study from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, found that a waist-to-hip ratio greater than 0.85 increases your risk of cardiovascular disease (the bigger the tummy, the higher the risk). To figure out your ratio, divide your waist size by your hip size.

Fight fair.

Women who made hostile comments while quarreling with their husbands were more likely to have arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) than wives who argued without being demeaning or spiteful, according to a new study from University of Utah on 150 long-married couples.

Be a good role model.

Your bad habits may put your children at risk later in life. If your mother has heart disease, you have a 43% greater chance of developing it; if your father has the disease, your risk is 17% higher, according to a new study. Surprisingly, lifestyle may have a bigger impact than genetics. So exercise, eat a healthy diet and don't smoke."