The health risks should know about

Lifestyle plays a key role in prevention and slowing the progression of heart disease. “Understand your risk factors, such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, being overweight and smoking, which can all increase the likelihood of a heart attack,” says Ashleigh Doggett, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation.

Get your blood pressure and cholesterol tested, stay a healthy weight and don’t ignore chest pains. If you’re aged 40 to 74, you’re entitled to a free health MOT on the NHS (visit nhs.uk for info).

Don’t smoke – it causes fatty deposits in the coronary arteries – and cut back on salt and cholesterol-raising saturated fats (foods like butter, cream, cheese, cakes and pastries.)

Get active – even 10-minute bursts of brisk walking can have a positive effect on heart health. For more info, visit bhf.org.uk risk of Type 2 diabetes and can even reverse the condition,” says Emma.

To check your BMI, visit nhs.uk/tools/ Pages/healthyweightcalculator.aspx

To help calculate your risk, visit riskscore. diabetes.org.uk “We all have times when our mood is low and usually these feelings pass, but if they start to interfere with your life and don’t fade after a couple of weeks, it could be a sign of depression,” explains Jo Loughran, the director of Time to Change campaign. Avoiding social events and activities you usually enjoy, finding it difficult to speak or think clearly, sleep difficulties and loss of appetite are warning signs.

Suicide is now the leading cause of death for men under 50. Jo emphasises the importance of reaching out to a friend who might be struggling with depression: “Keep in touch with texts and calls, even if they’re not responding, and if you ask how they are and they say ‘fine thanks’ ask again. This proves you’re asking for real and willing to hear a response.”

For more info, see time-to-change.org.uk. Around one in six men will have a stroke. It’s the fourth biggest killer in the UK and a major cause of disability. It’s caused when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die.

“Most people who have strokes are over 55 as the risk increases as you get older, although stroke can happen at any age,” says Esmee Russell, head of prevention and campaigns at the Stroke Association.

She adds: “Medical risk factors include high blood pressure (get it checked), diabetes, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and high cholesterol.

“Reduce your risk by managing your weight, limiting how much alcohol you drink and not smoking.

“And if you’re concerned about an irregular heartbeat, see your GP.”

For more info, call the Stroke Association helpline on 0303

3033 100. Smoking is the biggest cause of cancer globally – it’s linked to 15 types including lung cancer, the second most common cancer among UK men.

“It’s tough but it’s never too late to give up,” says health information officer Clare Hyde of Cancer Research UK.

“Quit smoking before the age of 60 and you can gain up to 10 years of life. Stop before 30, you can bring your risk down to a non-smoker. “Those who attend their local stop smoking service are around three times more likely to quit compared to going cold turkey. “There’s also emerging evidence that e-cigarettes can help you to quit. Your GP can also prescribe medication to satisfy cravings.”

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It’s linked to obesity. Having less red and processed meat and more fibre can help.

Alcohol is also a negative factor.