A Candy Today Keeps the Doctor Away?

Amidst today's flowers and chocolates and candlelight suppers, take a few moments to remember that the heart is a bit more complicated than pastel candy stamped "Be Mine."

Sure, you need it to love. But you also need it to live.

The American Heart Association has some great information on how to take better care of your heart, from nutrition to stress management to exercise.

And if you or a loved one needs medicine to maintain your heart health, America's biopharmaceutical research companies are working hard to help.

The progress they've made in recent years has been remarkable. For example, according to one study, medicines and other interventional treatments contributed to a 45% decline in heart attack deaths and heart failure between 1999 and 2005.

We believe the future remains bright for Americans living with cardiovascular disease, as there are 299 potential new medicines in late-stage development to treat heart disease and stroke, according to our new medicines in development report.

Heart disease has been at the top of the list of killer diseases every year but one since 1900 (guess which year it wasn't at the top in the comments below, but don't cheat!). Here's hoping today's research means tomorrow's list will look a bit different.

And for today, a chocolate-covered cherry or two can't hurt, either, right?