Overview
- Affects the heart or blood vessels
- Includes conditions such as coronary heart disease and heart failure
- Can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Often linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
- Many risk factors can be reduced through healthy lifestyle changes
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a general term for conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels. It can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood effectively and increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
Risk Factors to Watch For
You may be at higher risk if you:
Have high blood pressure
Have high cholesterol
Being over 45 years of age
Have diabetes
Smoke or vape
Are overweight or physically inactive
Have a family history of heart disease
Symptoms may include:
Chest pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Dizziness
Swollen legs or ankles
Why is Prevention Important?
Heart disease can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Early detection and healthy lifestyle changes can lower your risk.
Healthy habits include:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Being physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes
- Having regular health checks
Next Steps
Talk to your GP about your heart health and ask whether a Heart Health Check is right for you.
Take the Risk Test
Find out your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in under 5 minutes.