There has been a pattern in recent celebrity deaths that should remind us the importance of taking good care of your heart.
Three stars since mid-December have died of heart problems. Actress Carrie Fisher passed away after a heart attack. Musician George Michael died of heart failure. Actor Alan Thicke may have died because of an aortic aneurysm.
Dr. Mitch Shulman says even though the three celebrities died of different heart issues, all of them happened for the same reason - blood vessels that were weakened when they were blocked by a substance like cholesterol.
Dr. Mitch says many heart problems are preventable if you live a good life: eat healthy, avoid unecessary sugars and fats, and stay active daily. He says you don't have to run a marathon, but you should at least do some light exercise, even a few minutes at a time.
He says there are also symptoms to watch out for that could mean you need to see a doctor right away. They include unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, light-headedness, and pain in your jaw or either arm, especially the left.