COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It seems every time you turn on the news, there's another death linked to heart problems.
First, Michael Jackson suffered cardiac arrest. It's suspected that TV pitchman Billy Mays died from heart disease. And Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Executive Director Jeff Swanagan had a heart attack.
The three men were in their 50s.
Dr. Peter George with Riverside Methodist Hospital said heart problems seem to be hitting Americans at an earlier age. It's not uncommon to see patients in their 30s or 40s.
He said pay attention to your body and if you don't feel right, see a doctor.
George said classic symptoms, such as an elephant sitting on your chest, aren't what a lot of people feel. Neck pain, jaw pain, shoulder pain and even nausea should alert you that something could be wrong.
George told NBC 4 that being overweight increases your chances of heart problems.
He recommended sticking to a diet of fruits, vegetables, wholes grains and lean meats and exercising vigorously four to five times a week for about 30 minutes a day.
And if you have family members younger than the age of 55 who've suffered cardiac events, you should be tested by a doctor.
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