It is well recognised and accepted that there are many 'risk factors' for heart disease, many of which are lifestyle risk factors, as opposed to genetic factors.

We have a huge improvement in our knowledge about the effect of diet on heart health. This has made it possible to confidently help people make beneficial changes to their diet, particularly those who are known to have one or more risk factors.

Risk factors

• Family History of heart disease
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Raised levels of blood fats (lipids) e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides
• Raised blood pressure
• Excess alcohol
• Obesity and raised blood lipids are both linked to diet and can be modified to reduce their risk

Any excess weight needs to be dealt with effectively and every 10% reduction in body weight reduces health risks significantly by lowering blood pressure and helping to reduce blood fats.

Maintaining a healthy heart

Have a go at following this advice!

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Increase your fruit and vegetables intake
• Reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet
• Replace it with unsaturated fats - rapeseed oil, olive oil.
• Aim to have 2 portions of oily fish (as described) a week
• Nibble on the occasional walnut (watch the calories if you have a weight problem!)
• Cut down on salt
• Avoid excess alcohol
• Stay as active as you can - try and exercise regularly
• Have occasional or regular blood pressure checks