Who's Most Likely to Have a Heart Attack

Feb. 16 -- If you are a regular guy, chances are you're at risk of suffering a heart attack. Even more disturbing is that 50 percent of heart attack victims die before reaching the hospital.

Heart disease will kill one third of American women, and even more American men which makes it the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Though men tend not to worry about heart problems until they are in their 40s, artery blockage can be detected when men are in their mid-20s and most men can decrease their risk by changing their lifestyle.

The Mayo Clinic's Dr. Scott Wright says that too many young men underestimate the dangers. "The biggest problem I see is denial — that it can be me, that what I'm doing today in 20 or 30 years can lead to having heart disease, being at risk for heart attack, or needing bypass surgery."

Men's Health Magazine and 20/20 studied the habits and history of three regular guys: a police officer, a student and a fireman. Who do you think is most likely to have a heart attack? You can find out by watching 20/20 on Friday, Feb. 23.

Click Here to vote on who you think is at greatest risk.

Jim Levicki is 30 years old, stands 5'10" and weighs 170 lbs. He is a police officer in Mount Prospect, Ill., and often works the night shift. Because he has three young kids, he scarcely sleeps when he gets home after working all night. Jim says he keeps a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and tries to stay fit but his grandmother suffered from heart disease. Click Here for his prediction.

Brian Granvall is 30 years old, stands 6' and weighs 225 lbs. He commutes between Seattle where he is a full-time student, and Portland, where he works as a paramedic. He sleeps only two to four hours per night. Brian is overweight and does very little exercise. He also admits to eating mostly fatty foods. Both Brian's grandmother and father have suffered heart attacks. Click Here for his prediction.

James Clarke is 28 years old, weighs 206 lbs. and is 5'10" tall. He is a fireman in West Plains, Mo., and is on call 24-7. His stress is not confined to his work; James is already on his third marriage. He smokes a half a pack per day, drinks and eats a lot of red meat. Fortunately for James, he does not have heart disease in his immediate family. Click Here for his prediction.