Why does heart health matter?

Your heart is constantly at work. It beats around 100,000 times a day to pump blood around the body, providing your muscles with the oxygen and nutrients they need.¹

If you don’t look after your heart, you are at a greater risk of heart disease.

Heart disease is the name used to describe a group of conditions that affect the heart.

It can be caused by genetics but there are lots of other reasons why it might occur.² Medical conditions like diabetes and obesity as well as lifestyle choices like the foods you eat can all lead to its development.

There are currently 7.6 million people in the UK with a type of heart disease. It affects both men and women, but it is more common in men.³

Some types of heart disease include:

• Coronary heart disease, that can lead to stroke or heart attack
• Congenital heart disease
• Inherited heart disease
• Heart rhythm disorders
• Heart failure. ^1,4

Heart disease can be fatal. Heart disease and well as conditions that affect your circulation cause 17,000 deaths every year in the UK. That’s 1 in 4 deaths each year. ³

But it can also affect the quality of your life and increase your risk of developing other health conditions. People with heart disease are more likely to develop conditions like vascular dementia, heart attacks and stroke.

Looking after your heart with a healthy lifestyle can help prevent these heart diseases and any related conditions. It can also help stop any existing health concerns from worsening.⁴

Speaking to your doctor or pharmacist can help you identify the reasons for heart disease. They can also suggest changes you can make to your life to reduce your risk of developing it. This may mean taking medication or lifestyle changes.

There are lots of ways you improve your heart health. You can try:

• Exercising for 150 minutes each week. Swimming, walking or dancing are all types of workout that are of moderate intensity that can help raise your heart rate and strengthen it.
• Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Try introducing foods high-fibre foods to your diet. It will have benefits not only for your heart but your digestive system and blood sugar levels. Foods that are rich in omega-3, like salmon and nuts can also improve your heart health. You should also look to reduce your salt intake.
• Giving up smoking. It’s a well-established fact that smoking can be harmful to your health – particularly your lungs. But it can affect your heart too. Quitting can help you lower your blood pressure, increase the amount of oxygen in your blood and prevent blood clots from forming.
• Cutting back on alcohol. Drinking is often linked to social events and occasions. While it can be enjoyable to have a drink, it’s important to stick to the recommended limits suggested by the NHS. You should have no more than 14 units in a week. If you’re struggling to manage your alcohol intake, there’s help available. Head into your nearest pharmacy or visit Drinkware to get help now.^5,6