At Healthy Telford, we often talk about cardiovascular disease (CVD) and keeping your heart healthy. But what does that mean?

Cardiovascular disease is the name for a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Your heart and blood vessels work together to move blood around your body. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all the parts of your body that need them.

When your heart and blood vessels are healthy, your body can work properly. Looking after your heart health can help you stay well and reduce the risk of serious health problems in the future.

What conditions are included in CVD?

Coronary heart disease (CHD)

Coronary heart disease happens when fatty deposits build up inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This makes it harder for blood to reach the heart.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

Peripheral arterial disease affects the arteries in the legs and feet. Fatty deposits can reduce blood flow, making it harder for blood to reach the lower parts of the body.

Aortic disease

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic disease is a group of conditions that affect the aorta and can sometimes cause serious health problems.

Stroke

A stroke happens when blood can no longer reach parts of the brain. Stroke can affect speech, movement, memory and other important functions. A stroke is a medical emergency and can be life threatening.

Heart attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. It is a medical emergency and can be life threatening.

Many people do not notice any signs of CVD in the early stages. Sometimes the first sign of a problem can be a heart attack or stroke. That is why it is important to know how to look after your heart.

3 ways to look after your heart

The good news is that there are simple things you can do to help keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of CVD:

1. Know your numbers

Getting your blood pressure checked is one of the best things you can do for your heart.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so many people don’t know they have it. If it is left untreated, it can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Getting your blood pressure checked is quick, easy and free at many locations across Telford and Wrekin. Visit our Community Blood Pressure Project page to find a venue near you.

2. Daily movement

Moving helps to keep the blood flowing around the body, and your heart strong. You don’t have to run a marathon. Every bit of movement counts! Find an activity that you enjoy and make it part of your day. You could:

• Go for a walk or join a walking group
• Ride a bike
• Dance
• Garden
• Visit an outdoor gym
• Visit your local leisure centre and find out what’s on offer.

3. Eat well

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help keep your heart healthy. Try to eat more:

• Fruit and vegetables
• Wholegrains foods such as wholemeal bread, brown rice and oats
• Beans, lentils and pulses
• Healthy proteins such as fish, skinless chicken, eggs, beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu and unsalted nuts.

And try to eat less:

• Salt
• Sugar
• Food high in saturated fats such as cakes, pastries and processed meats
• Highly processed food              

Small changes make a big difference: by knowing your numbers, moving more, and eating well, you can take simple steps to protect your heart and improve your health.