Prevention & life stages

Looking After Your Heart

You can greatly cut your risk of heart disease and stroke by not smoking, eating well, staying active, and keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and weight in check.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What it means

Looking after your heart means reducing the risk factors for heart disease and stroke through everyday habits and, where needed, treatment of things like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Why it matters

Heart and circulatory diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability, yet much of the risk is preventable. Healthy habits and controlling key risk factors can prevent a large proportion of heart attacks and strokes.

Practical tips

How to make it work

  • Do not smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke.
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet — plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, pulses and oily fish, with less salt, saturated fat and sugar.
  • Stay physically active and keep to a healthy weight.
  • Keep alcohol within the guidelines.
  • Know and manage your blood pressure and cholesterol, taking any prescribed medicines as advised.
  • Manage stress and get enough sleep.

Good to know. Call 999 for signs of a heart attack (chest pain or tightness, often with breathlessness or sweating) or stroke (use the FAST test). Attend NHS Health Checks if offered, and see your GP if you have risk factors or a family history.

Answers

Looking After Your Heart: frequently asked questions

How can I reduce my risk of heart disease?

Not smoking, eating well, being active, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol together prevent a large share of heart attacks and strokes.

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

Central chest pain or tightness that may spread to the arm, jaw, neck or back, often with breathlessness, sweating or nausea. If you suspect a heart attack, call 999 immediately.

Related

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Education and reference only. This is general UK health guidance, not personal medical or dietitian advice. If you have a health condition or specific needs, check with your GP, pharmacist or a registered professional before making big changes.

Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — Live Well & Start for Life
  • UK Chief Medical Officers’ guidance
  • British Dietetic Association (BDA)

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