Information bite 237: National Heart Month 2022
National Heart Month is an annual event observed in the UK which aims to raise awareness about heart diseases and encourages people to look after their hearts. It helps people understand how to keep healthy and stay informed about the risks of heart-related conditions.
The heart is responsible for pumping blood around our body, transporting oxygen and cells to our other organs, so it’s important that we stay aware and make the right choices to keep our hearts happy and healthy.
The Size of the Problem
There are currently seven million people in the UK living with cardiovascular disease.
What are the types of cardiovascular disease?
There are many different kinds of cardiovascular disease, with some of the most common ones being:
- Coronary heart disease– when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle is blocked or reduced. This strain may lead to angina, heart attacks and heart failure.
- Strokes and transient ischaemic attack(also called a TIA or “mini-stroke”).
- Peripheral arterial disease– when there’s a blockage in the arteries to the limbs.
- Aortic disease– when a number of conditions affect the largest blood vessel in the body
How Can You Keep Your Heart Healthy?
Making good lifestyle choices is the best way to improve your heart’s health and keep it healthy. To reduce the risk of developing heart-related problems, you can:
- Exercise regularly;
- Eat a balanced, varied diet;
- Give up smoking;
- Monitor your blood pressure;
- Maintain a healthy weight;
- Get regular health checks by a professional
Read the Your Heart Fact File
