Heart disease is the number-one killer of Americans.

But a special program is helping some folks lower those numbers.

Matrina Dorsey may be 32 years younger than Judy Borgula, but they're both worried about their hearts.

Judy survived an episode of cardiac arrest several months ago.

"I needed to know more about what it's going to take to keep my heart healthy," Judy said.

Matrina has troublesome heart palpitations.

"You hear about younger people having heart attacks and strokes and I just want to know more about it and try to prevent it," she admitted.

Matrina and Judy got some answers at Heart School.

Research shows, 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week will provide you health benefits.

From exercise, to diet, to risk factors, the three-hour course at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta teaches students what they can do to keep their hearts healthy.

"These aren't permanent fixes to anything. These are about learning new lifestyles, dietary choices and physical activity choices," explained Traci Spickler, an exercise physiologist.

For some cardiac patients, Heart School is often one of the first steps toward recovery.

And hopefully continue the heart healthy lessons at home.

According to the American Heart Association, 30-percent of Kentucky adults have been diagnosed with high cholesterol levels while one-third have high blood pressure.

The best way to improve your heart's health is through exercise.

Start slowly and work up to 30 minutes of daily physical activity.