1. Heart disease is rare in women
False. Coronary heart disease is the biggest killer in the UK, and one in seven women die from it. Over the age of 40, you can ask your GP for a heart check to assess your risk of developing heart disease.
2. Smoking is bad for your heart
True. Smokers are twice as likely to have heart disease. Carbon monoxide and nicotine both make the heart work faster, which puts it under strain. Other chemicals lead to furring of the arteries. Quitting is the single best thing you can do for your heart health. The good news is that five years after quitting your risk of having a heart attacks falls to about half compared to a person who’s still smoking.
3. Heart disease starts in childhood
True. New evidence suggests that adult heart disease can start when you’re a kid, due to lack of activity and a fatty diet. Teaching kids about healthy eating and keeping them active when young will hopefully set them up with good habits. Kids should do at least one hours activity every day, but it doesn’t have to be all at once. Consider walking to school and back and signing them up to fun classes like swimming or gym classes
4. High cholesterol is bad for your heart
True. Cholesterol is a fatty substance made by the liver. Too much narrows the arteries and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. High cholesterol is caused by a diet high in saturated fat, and smoking among other things. You can get your level checked at the GP.
5. Being pear-shaped is the biggest risk for heart disease
False. Being apple shaped is the biggest risk for heart disease. This is when your weight settles around your waist and tummy, rather than on your hips and bum, like with a pear shape. A waistline of less than 80cm will reduce the risk. Measure your waist around the middle, usually around your belly button.
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