By Dr Amit Seyan
Many of us think about our heart health only when something goes wrong, but the statistics paint a sobering picture. Up to three out of five UK adults have cholesterol levels above 5 mmol/L – the recommended maximum. Perhaps more alarming is that in the UK someone dies from a heart or circulatory disease every three minutes.
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of preventable death. The silent nature of conditions like high cholesterol means many people are at risk without realising – you won’t know unless you check. It is estimated that around 90% of people with an inherited form of high cholesterol remain undiagnosed.
Prevention truly is better than cure. The NHS recommends regular cholesterol testing for adults over 40, but many of us put this off until problems develop. A proactive approach to heart health can identify risks before they lead to serious conditions, saving lives and reducing strain on our healthcare system. Cardiovascular disease doesn’t just develop overnight. By the time someone experiences chest pain or suffers a heart attack, the disease process has been underway for 20-30 years.
Taking proactive steps towards better heart health doesn’t require radical changes. Simple adjustments can make a significant difference:
- Know your numbers: regular checks of your cholesterol, blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors
- Move more: just 30 minutes of moderate activity five times a week can reduce your risk of heart disease
- Eat heart-friendly foods
- Quit smoking
- Manage stress
Remember that heart health is a journey, not a single event. Each positive choice builds upon the last, gradually strengthening your cardiovascular system. The best time to start caring for your heart was 20 years ago – the second best time is today. Your future self will thank you for the preventive steps you take now.
Dr Amit Seyan is a GP at Well Life GP Clinic in Oxted. Book in to see him for a heart health consultation at a time that suits you.
