Coronary heart disease (CHD occurs when plaque builds up in blood vessels, blocks or slows blood flow and flow of oxygen to the heart. Heart disease affects both men and women. It may be hereditary or develop over a period of years. Being overweight, having diabetes, or suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol are factors that put you at greater risk. Smoking, eating a high fat, high-sugar diet as well as lack of physical exercise also risk factors for heart disease. Here are some tips for reducing your risk of heart disease:

• If you smoke, stop now,
• Take steps to lower high blood pressure and reduce high blood cholesterol through a healthy diet,
• Aim for a healthy weight
• Get up to 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week
• See your doctor regularly

Many of these things act on each other in a positive way. For example, being physically active can lower your blood pressure, control weight and reduce stress, as well as affect your blood cholesterol level.