What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease is a term for a range of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. These diseases stop the heart from working properly and can be fatal. The most common cardiovascular diseases are coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.
Cardiovascular diseases are common. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. The best way to reduce your risk is to:
- Eat a healthy diet – talk to your GP about what this means
- Exercise regularly – aim for 30 minutes every day
- Get enough sleep – try to get 7 to 8 hours every night
- Reduce foods high in fat and sugar – avoid processed foods
- Limit alcohol – stick to the recommended daily amount
- Quit smoking – phone 13QUIT to get started
If you are at risk of cardiovascular disease, your GP will talk to you about how to reduce your risk and stay healthy.