A diet high in fried fatty foods and sugar does lead to an accumulation of damaged fats in the arteries, hence atherosclerosis. But there are many other factors that could trigger one of the conditions leading to a heart attack. Stress, too much sodium or even smoking a cigarette can cause the muscular contractions that narrow arteries, especially in an unfit person. A lack of magnesium-rich green vegetables, beans and fruits can do the same, because magnesium deficiency makes it difficult for the muscles to relax. Green vegetables and beans are also high in B vitamins, especially folic acid, which keep the amino acid homocysteine, an arterial toxin, at bay. And if you don' t have enough Bs, the homocysteine will be free to damage the arteries, causing atherosclerosis, and also makes the blood stickier. Finally, failing to eat enough essential fats, found in oily fish and seeds, can also harden your arteries - not all fats are villains, after all.

So a combination of all these factors - too much fried, damaged and saturated fats, sugar, stress, smoking and salt, and too little exercise, magnesium, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, B vitamins, minerals and essential fats - will really lay you open to the risk of having a heart attack.