Understanding your heart health
Our booklet can help you and your loved ones to make healthier changes to look after your heart health.
Understanding risk factors
Speak to a cardiac nurse
If you’re worried about your risk of a heart or circulatory condition, our cardiac nurses are here for you. Find support with our free Heart Helpline.
Conditions that can increase your risk
High cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood. Too much of it can increase your risk of heart and circulatory diseases.
High blood pressure
Around 50% of heart attacks and strokes are linked to high blood pressure. Knowing your blood pressure could save your life.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause damage to your blood vessels. This can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.
Obesity
Being overweight can have a big impact on your heart health. Your risk of heart problems increases if you carry weight around the middle of your body.
Mental health
Having a mental health condition can affect your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases. A healthier lifestyle can help your body and mind.
Other factors that can increase your risk
Smoking
Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack than people who have never smoked.
Physical inactivity
The heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle, it needs physical activity to help it work properly.
Alcohol
Drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol can have a harmful effect on your heart and general health.
Stress
Stress is not a direct risk factor for heart and circulatory diseases, but it is linked to unhealthy habits that can increase your risk.
Air pollution
Air pollution is harmful to your heart and circulation, and overall health. But you can take some steps to help lower your risk.
Family history
Heart and circulatory diseases can run in families - increasing your risk of developing that disease.
Women and heart risk factors
Women and heart disease
The perception that heart disease is “a man's issue” has led to poor awareness and treatment of heart problems in women.
Reproductive factors in women
Our research highlights that certain reproductive factors increase the risk of heart and circulatory diseases in women.
Managing heart risk factors
Staying active
There’s plenty you can do to reduce your chances of a heart or circulatory condition. Read our expert tips on keeping active to reduce your risk.
Our guide to healthy eating
Eating a healthier diet can significantly reduce your risk of heart and circulatory conditions, and the risk factors leading to them.
Blood pressure chart and diary
Keep track of your blood pressure readings at home with our easy-to-use blood pressure chart and diary.
More information and support
Order our booklets
Order or download our free information booklets about risk factors for heart and circulatory diseases, healthy eating and keeping your heart healthy.
Get support for living with a condition
We know it can be overwhelming if you're diagnosed with a heart or circulatory condition. But we're here to help. Find out what support we can offer.
Risk factor research
We fund research into risk factors. Because if we can reduce or prevent them, we can lower the risk of heart and circulatory diseases.