Staying active

Regular physical activity is also very important to heart health. It helps your heart pump more effectively, improves circulation, and maintains healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and weight levels. Start slowly and build up your activity gradually until you are doing moderately physical activity for 30 minutes, at least 5 times a week.

Try to do something you enjoy; brisk walking, swimming, dancing, cycling and running are just some of the activities you could consider. You should aim to increase your heart rate until you are warm and slightly breathless but still able to talk.

Always check with your doctor before starting new physical activity for the first time.