In February, National Heart Month offers a reminder to focus on supporting your heart health and the everyday habits that support long term wellbeing. While many people know that looking after their heart is important, it is not always clear what looking after your heart health involves or how to make realistic, sustainable improvements.
This blog explores what heart health means, the factors that can influence it, and practical ways to support cardiovascular wellbeing through simple lifestyle choices and regular health checks.
What is heart health and why does it matter?
Heart health refers to how well your heart and blood vessels work to circulate blood around the body. A healthy cardiovascular system supports energy levels, organ function, and overall wellbeing.
When the heart and circulatory system are not working as effectively as they should, this can increase the risk of developing heart and circulatory conditions, including:
Why does cholesterol matter for heart health?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. The body needs some cholesterol to function normally, but consistently high levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Over time, excess cholesterol can build up in blood vessels, restricting blood flow and placing additional strain on the heart.
Some people are more likely to have high cholesterol due to a combination of lifestyle, medical history, and genetics. Risk may be higher if you:
Regular monitoring through routine health checks can help identify raised cholesterol levels early. This allows individuals to make informed lifestyle choices and, where appropriate, seek medical guidance to help manage risk and support long term heart health.
What are the early signs of poor heart health?
Some heart conditions develop slowly and may not show clear symptoms in the early stages. However, there are changes that may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Some possible signs include:
These symptoms do not always indicate a serious condition but noticing them early and seeking appropriate checks can provide reassurance and help identify any underlying concerns.
What causes heart problems?
A range of factors influence heart health, including lifestyle, medical history, and genetics. While some risk factors can be managed through daily habits, others may require regular monitoring and guidance from a healthcare professional.
Lifestyle factors that can affect heart health
Medical and personal risk factors
Being aware of these factors can help people take practical steps to support their cardiovascular health.
How can you improve heart health naturally?
Supporting heart health does not always mean significant or sudden lifestyle changes. In many cases, it is the small, consistent habits that can have the greatest impact over time.
Eat a balanced diet that supports heart health
A heart healthy diet focuses on variety and moderation.
If you’re having food or drink that are high in fat, salt, and sugar, have these less often and in small amounts. Instead, try to choose a variety of foods from the 5 main food groups to get a wide range of nutrients.
These habits can help support healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure, both of which play an important role in heart health.
Stay physically active
Regular movement helps strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Adults are generally encouraged to aim for:
Building activity into daily routines can make it easier to maintain over time.
Manage stress and prioritise sleep
Long term stress and poor sleep can affect cardiovascular health. Helpful habits include maintaining a consistent sleep routine, taking regular breaks, and seeking support where needed.
When should you consider a heart health check?
Regular health checks can help identify potential concerns early and provide reassurance about your current health.
In the UK, the NHS offers a free check for adults aged 40 to 74 to assess the health of your heart and blood vessels. This check can help identify whether you may be at a higher risk of developing certain conditions, such as:
Adults aged 40 to 74 who do not have a pre-existing health condition are typically invited for an NHS Health Check by their GP or local council every five years.
Those with existing health conditions will usually receive regular check-ups and ongoing support.
Supporting your heart health all year round
Heart health plays an important role in overall health and wellbeing. While some risk factors cannot be changed, many can be positively influenced through consistent lifestyle choices, regular health checks, and greater awareness of how everyday habits affect cardiovascular health.
National Heart Month provides a valuable opportunity to pause and reflect on your current habits, build understanding, and take practical steps to support your heart over time. Small, manageable changes made consistently can help support long term health and wellbeing, both now and in the future.