HEART HEALTH
Chloe MacArthur (below), senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, shares ways to lower or maintain your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of heart problems.
1 - SAY “NO” TO A SECOND GLASS OF WINE
Experts recommend you drink less than 14 units per week. Indulging in too much alcohol can increase blood pressure and weight, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Try cutting back by drinking half pints or single shot drinks rather than pints or double shots. Switch to alcohol-free versions or swap pub nights with friends for different activities.
2 - EAT FOR HEALTH
Having a healthy, balanced diet is important for heart health at every age but during peri- and menopause, cholesterol and blood pressure may increase and weight gain is also common. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and pulses, while cutting back on foods high in saturated fat, sugar and refined salt will lower your risk of coronary heart disease.
3 - KEEP MOVING
Increasing your activity levels improves heart health by improving circulatory blood flow and lowering blood pressure, plus it helps you maintain a healthy weight and reduces feelings of anxiety and stress, which may harm your heart. Exercising can seem over whelming if you have a heart condition or limited mobility, so start small and build up – find some examples at bhf.org.uk. Always check with your doctor if you’re new to exercise and have a heart condition.
4 - DON’T SMOKE
Chemicals in cigarettes make the walls of your arteries sticky. This causes
