This document discusses heart attacks and strokes, their causes and risk factors. It notes that they are leading causes of death in the US and provides examples of several famous people who died from heart attacks. It outlines various risk factors for heart disease like family history, smoking, diabetes, and inactivity. The document then discusses ultrasound scans of the carotid arteries as a way to assess cardiovascular health and risk of future heart attacks or strokes. It emphasizes lifestyle choices that can impact risk and notes medications may be needed to reduce risk according to scan results.