Women who have a family history of premature heart attacks may need to undergo heart-healthy lifestyle changes, according to a new study published in the American Heart Journal. People who have a family history of premature heart attack – having a heart attack before the age of 50 for men, and 55 for women – have higher odds of heart disease, and the study suggested that women were more likely to need to overhaul their lifestyles than men. Women (including younger women who don’t think they are at risk) should speak with their doctors about their family heart history.