STAYING HEALTHY

There’s much we can do to keep our hearts healthy. BHF’s senior cardiac nurse Philippa Hobson offers her advice.

✢ GO FOR YOUR FREE NHS HEALTH CHECK to assess your risk of stroke, heart disease,

Type 2 diabetes, dementia and kidney disease.

✢ FIT IN EXERCISE Ideally, aim for 150 minutes of moderateintensity physical exercise a week – break it down into 10-minute chunks if that’s easier.

✢ DON’T FALL VICTIM TO ‘SILENT KILLERS’ Heart and circulatory disease risk factors, such as high cholesterol or blood pressure, may not have symptoms. Don’t wait until you feel unwell to get tested. Earlier diagnosis means easier management.

✢ LOOK AFTER YOURSELF If you’re a smoker, quitting is the best thing you can do for your heart. Cut down on fatty and salty foods, and eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of differentcoloured fruit and veg.

✢ For more information on how to look after your heart health, visit bhf.org.uk.