The sudden death of NBC journalist Tim Russert, who died of a sudden heart attack, has focused new attention on heart disease, specifically vulnerable plaque.

Vulnerable plaque builds up in cardiac arteries and can tear, triggering a blood clot and a massive heart attack.

What's so scary about it is that there are few tests to detect vulnerable plaque. But new research being conducted in Pittsburgh might change that.

Detecting vulnerable plaque is considered the Holy Grail of cardiovascular research into heart attacks, which is the leading killer of men and women.

Dr. Tony Farah, director of the cardiac catheterization lab at Allegheny General Hospital, said blockages caused by vulnerable plague kill 50 percent of its victims.

Farah said he hopes more research will soon lead to even easier, less invasive diagnostic tests.

In the meantime, he said, everyone can reduce their risk by quitting smoking, losing weight, exercising and keeping a close eye on their cholesterol levels.

Another potential life saver is an automated external defibrillator. It's a device that can shock the heart back into rhythm, giving doctors time to unclog the blockage.

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