Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States. For people over 65 years of age, the risk is even greater: eight out of ten people who die of heart disease are 65 or older. Although these statistics sound dire, take heart: With these strategies, you can help your parents reduce their risk -- and reduce your own at the same time.

Know the early warning signs and seek treatment right away.

Some typical symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations (skipped beats or a racing or pounding heart)
• Leg swelling
• Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
• A prolonged, unexplained cough
• Coughing up blood
• Persistent fatigue or feeling unwell
• Passing out

But sometimes the symptoms aren't so obvious. The pain of a heart attack may feel like really bad heartburn or even the flu. And the symptoms of a second heart attack may not be the same as those for the first. If your parent has already had a heart attack, don't hesitate to seek emergency medical treatment at the first sign of possible trouble.

Talk to the doctor about medications that might increase your parent's risk.

Hormone replacement therapy, rosiglitazone (for diabetes), and COX-2 inhibitors (for controlling arthritis pain) are all examples of medications that may increase your parent's risk of heart attack. Review your parent's medications with his doctor and ask if there are less risky alternatives.