The BEAT code

Do more to beat heart disease by following the simple BEAT code.

Be active

Regular physical activity can help keep your heart healthy. Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity a day, on at least five days a week. You don't have to don lycra or run a marathon - walking, swimming and taking the stairs all count.

Eat healthily

Healthy eating can help reduce your risk of heart disease. We're all allowed a little of what we fancy, but try to cut down on saturated fats, salt and alcohol. For top marks, eat at least five portions of fruit and veg a day, oily fish once a week and go for the wholegrain options.

Avoid smoking

Smoking can damage the heart and smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack compared with people who have never smoked. If you want to live a longer and healthier life, stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do.

Take out a free subscription to Heart Matters

There are other factors that affect your heart health, like weight, body shape and more. Find out how you measure up and what steps you can take to look after your heart every month in our Heart Matters magazine by signing up to our free Heart Matters service.

Or if you would like to speak to someone about being heart healthy, you can phone our Heart Matters Helpline on 0300 330 3300.