HEART DISEASE

Men with a father or brother who had angina or had a heart attack before the age of 55 are more at risk. For women, the risk is increased if their mother or sister had a heart attack or angina before the age of 65. Smoking, lack of exercise and a high- fat diet significantly increase your risk of heart disease. Being overweight and drinking too much also contribute. Eat a diet rich in fruit, veg and fibre, and low in saturated fats, sugar and salt. Garlic and omega-3 essential fatty acids, found in oily fish, may help protect the heart and may help lower cholesterol, as does the soluble fibre in beans, peas and oats. Physical activity helps keep the heart strong and can beat stress too, another cause of heart disease. Not smoking and drinking sensibly are also recommended, and get regular blood pressure checks.