Risk factors that can affect heart health
Risk factors are certain conditions or habits that increase your risk of developing a
disease. These risk factors can be categorised into either, modifiable (things we can
change/control) or non-modifiable (things we can’t change/control). The good news is
many heart and circulatory diseases can be controlled, treated, or improved by changing
your lifestyle/choices.
We advise you to look at the risk factors management plan found on the next 2 pages
and consider if any of them are related to or are having an impact on your current health.
Also consider the desire and confidence scores to help to prioritise them for you. If you
are not sure don’t worry as your clinician will help you during your initial consultation.
It will be a good time to discuss these risk factors with your clinician who can advise,
support, and guide you by setting achievable goals for you to aim for.
There are services available we can refer you onto to if you need further support with
weight management and healthy eating, smoking, alcohol reduction and further
exercise. This can be discussed with the Cardiac Rehab team at any point
One You can help support you to stop smoking
Call 01522 705162
Email: hello
<14 units per week
The number of units should be spread evenly over the week. Include at least two consecutive alcohol-free days a week.
1 unit =
1/2 pint of beer
125ml glass of wine
25ml measure of a spirit
Heart Healthy diet
Use Food Labelling.
Aim for at least 5-10 portions of fruit and vegetables per day.
No more than 6gs Salt in a day (1 teaspoon) Consider ‘hidden’ salts.
Reduce overall fat intake especially of saturated fats.
Aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day for good hydration.
LDL < 1.8
Take your statin medication as prescribed.
Control your saturated fat intake:
Women <20g per day
Men <30g per day
Waist < 37” for a Man
Waist < 31” for a woman
BMI 20 – 25
South East Asians: waist should be less than 31.5ins (80cm) for a woman and 35.5ins (90cm) for men.
People who carry more fat around the middle are at greater risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Minimum requirement 150 minutes at moderate intensity per week
(NB. Safe exercise for ‘moderate’ intensity includes a 15-minute warm-up & 15-minute cool down either side)
HbA1c
Blood sugar level between 4-7mmol/l before meals. It should be no higher than 10mmol/l two hours after meals. This may vary depending on your condition so check with your doctor.