For many years, the number one cause of death in the United States has been heart disease, which kills more than 650,000 people per year. In addition, almost 25 million people were living with a diagnosis of heart disease in 2004, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The American Medical Association wants people to know and understand that aside from some inherited or congenital conditions, heart disease is largely preventable. It is important to remember, too, that preventive medicine is for every age group and should start in childhood; parents can guide their children to a healthy adulthood by helping them control their weight, make good food.