Tips for a Healthy Heart

Below are some tips for a healthy heart: 1. Eat oily fish, eg. salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel - at least three times a week. They contain the essential fatty acids EPA, which thins the blood and brings down cholesterol levels. 2. Grill, steam or bake food instead of frying it. Do not add fat and void lots of saturated fat. 3. Reduce your intake of sugar, salt, processed foods and alcohol. 4. Increase your intake of fibre-rich foods, like wholemeal bread, oats and beans. 5. Dramatically cut down on biscuits, cakes, crisps and all confectionery. Beware of trans fats found in some margarine and baked goods. 6. Eat more fresh vegetables and fruit daily, especially dark green vegetables, which are rich in the vital minerals magnesium and potassium. 7. Drink plenty of fluid. If your body is not getting enough, it starts to store it in cells, which raises the amount of sodium in them, stiffening the arteries.

8. Take more regular exercise. 9. Give up smoking. Smoking a packet of cigarettes a day gives you twice the risk of heart disease and 5 times the risk of a stroke. 10. Reduce your stress levels - learn how to relax. Excessive stress increases the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.