Take heart -- February marks National Heart Health Month, and what better time to get your ticker in tip-top shape? After all, it could save your life. Did you know cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer in the United States? An estimated 650,000 people die every year from heart disease, accounting for about 27 percent of all deaths in the U.S. While some risk factors such as age, heredity, sex and pre-existing heart conditions are beyond your control, there are other factors that you can eliminate. Quit smoking -- those cancer sticks are one of the leading causes of heart disease in women. Women who butt out reduce their risk of coronary heart disease by one third within two years of quitting.

Lowering your blood cholesterol is also imperative. High levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol, increase the risk of heart attack or heart disease. High blood pressure also puts you at risk for heart disease. Work with your physician to bring down this number. Of course, getting regular exercise will help in combating high blood pressure and cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity almost every day. Research indicates that people who are inactive are twice as likely to develop heart disease than their fitter counterparts. Plus, exercise wards off the risk of becoming overweight or obese, two conditions which raise blood pressure and cholesterol. Stress, high triglycerides and excessive alcohol can also contribute to heart disease. This February, show your heart a little love by working to improve the health of your body's most vital organ.