Coinciding with Valentine’s Day, February is recognised as National Heart Month, with UK charities like British Heart Foundation (BHF) and HEART UK leading campaigns like "Walk for Hearts" and the "10,000 Step Challenge" to raise awareness and funds for heart disease research and prevention, encouraging people to get active, learn about cholesterol, and wear red to support heart health.

Over 7 million people in the UK are living with heart and circulatory diseases (British Heart Foundation).

Living with a heart condition can influence every aspect of daily life, from work, family responsibilities, travel, and intimacy to driving and even simple tasks such as moving around the home or getting dressed.

Your heart beats approximately 100,000 times a day, pumping around 23,000 litres of blood throughout your body, making it a vital part of your cardiovascular system.

Cardiovascular problems can take many forms, but the most common include heart attacks, strokes, and angina. These conditions often develop when fatty deposits build up in the arteries over time, restricting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

While understanding how the heart works can feel complex, the reality is that everyone has a heart, and therefore everyone is at risk of developing heart disease or related complications.

The encouraging news is that small, positive changes to diet and physical activity can have a significant impact on heart health. Setting realistic goals, such as a daily 30-minute walk, can make a real difference. It’s also important to remember that everyday activities, including household chores, all contribute to your overall activity levels.

A heart-healthy diet should include:

• Plenty of fruit and vegetables

• Starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, and pasta

• Wholegrain options where possible

• Milk and dairy products, choosing lower-fat varieties

• Meat, fish, eggs, beans, and other non-dairy sources of protein

Limiting foods and drinks that are high in fat and sugar is also essential. By making small, manageable changes to your eating habits and exercise routine, you can significantly improve both your overall health and the health of your heart.

You can read more on HEART HEALTH on this site.