Heart health

Today there are around 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart or circulatory disease. There are also many more, but they don’t know it yet because their condition is hidden or silent, showing no symptoms.

Almost every choice you make – from what you eat and drink to how you exercise (or not) - directly affect your heart’s health.  Some choices make heart problems more likely, like:

    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol
    • Lack of physical activity
    • Being overweight
    • Diabetes
    • Smoking

However, the good news is there are a number of ways you can take your heart health into your own hands.

By making changes to embrace a healthier lifestyle, you can help lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other conditions.

Heart helpline from the British Heart Foundation

If you’re worried about your heart health or just want to know more, the British Heart Foundation have a Heart Helpline where you can talk to experienced cardiac nurses. Some common reasons for calling include:

  • Understanding medications and their side effects
  • Recovering after a hospital stay
  • Improving your diet and lifestyle
  • Understanding test results
  • Managing a new or existing diagnosis
  • Financial concerns

The number to call is 0808 802 1234 (freephone). Open weekdays 9am to 5pm* Excluding bank holidays.