Heart attack: Cardiologist shares 'two biggest' changes you can make today to slash your risk

"I think it is important to talk to patients about the overall process of building habits and how that is such an important skill for a healthy lifestyle."

Dr Sluter warned that one of the many things we often overlook when it comes to our hearts is the importance of sleep.

"Not getting enough sleep (at least 7-8 hours nightly) is an underrecognised concern that can have a negative impact on heart health," Dr Suter warned.

And for those who feel too busy or stressed to focus on their health, the expert shared: "Even if busy or stressed, it is important for individuals to still attempt to thoughtfully consider how they can make healthy habits easier to fit within a busy life."

It's all about finding ways to slot healthier choices into your existing routine, rather than overhauling everything at once.

The expert's advice comes alongside a new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, which found that people with prediabetes who managed to bring their blood sugar back to normal levels could slash their risk of dying from heart disease by a whopping 58 per cent.

The research also showed this group had a lower chance of being hospitalised for heart failure.

Those who achieved remission through diet and exercise also saw reduced rates of other major cardiac events and lower overall death rates.

The study drew on expertise from diabetes researchers and endocrine specialists across Europe, China and the United States.

Researchers analysed data from two long-running trials: a 20-year American study and a 30-year Chinese study.

Participants with prediabetes were coached to make lifestyle changes, focusing on diet, exercise and weight loss to lower their blood glucose levels.

The scientists then compared outcomes between those who achieved remission and those who remained in the prediabetic range.

Interestingly, they discovered that the heart-protective benefits stuck around for decades after the programmes finished.

"Targeting remission might represent a new approach to cardiovascular prevention," the researchers noted in their findings.