Heart Week (1-7May)

Cardiovascular health is essential for a healthy and active lifestyle. It is important to get your heart checked regularly to make sure that you are in good health. Knowing your risk factors can help you reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases and help you stay fit and healthy.

Risk factors for heart disease:

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Smoking and second-hand smoke exposure

• Obesity

• Unhealthy diet

• Physical inactivity

• Social isolation

• Family history of heart disease

• Stress / depression / anger

• Alcohol use

It is important to regularly check in with your General Practitioner to ensure you are on track for a healthy heart later in life.

Exercise and being physically active is one way to improve your cardiovascular health. Regular activity can not only improve your cardiovascular health, but can also increase strength and reduce risk of heart related conditions.

It is important to follow our exercise guidelines and to follow the advice and recommendations set by your Exercise Physiologist as different types of exercise can have different effects on the body.

Regular exercise and following guidelines on physical activity can help strengthen the heart muscle, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and ultimately improve your overall cardiovascular health.

By understanding how cardiovascular health works, we can take steps to improve our heart health and live a healthier life. Additionally, learning which lifestyle changes you can make to reduce risk factors associated with heart disease can help you maintain a healthy heart for years to come.