Love your heart this Valentine’s Day!

In the run up to the most romantic day of the year, NHS 24 is issuing a set of top ten tips on how to have a healthy heart.

A poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking are the main offenders behind Scotland’s high number of deaths to Coronary heart disease, including heart attacks.

And latest figures reveal that although coronary heart disease is a preventable, there were 6,872 deaths due to the disease, in Scotland.

Now the Telehealth and Telecare organisation has issued a run down on how to keep hearts ticking and healthy:

1. Give up smoking – it’s one of the main causes of coronary heart disease.

2. Get active – it can reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

3. Manage your weight – being overweight can increase the risk of heart disease.

4. Eat more fibre – aim for at least 30g a day

5. Cut down on saturated fat – foods that are high in this fat can raise the level of cholesterol in blood, increasing the risk of heart disease.

6. Get your five a day – fruit and vegetables are a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals.

7. Cut down on salt – to maintain healthy blood pressure, avoid using saltat the table and try adding less to your cooking.

8. Eat fish – eat fish at least twice a week, including a portion of oily fish. Fish is a source of omega-3 fats, which can help protect against heart disease.

9. Drink less alcohol – try to keep to the recommended daily alcohol limitsto reduce the risk of problems with your health.

10. Read the food label – it’s a good idea to look at the labelon food and drink packaging to see how many calories and how much fat, salt and sugar the product contains.

NHS 24’s Medical Director, Professor George Crooks, said: “With love in the air, what better time of year to think about your health and heart?

“We all know that heart disease can creep up on those who live an unhealthy lifestyles and our top tips aim to highlight the many ways in which an individual can protect their heart.

“February is often a great month to get active and stay fit. With the first glimpse of lighter days, it is the ideal time to look out those trainers and think about taking up walking or jogging.

“There’s also a lot food wise, people can do to become healthier and it’s important to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and alcohol on ill health.

“We have a great resource when it comes to following these tips on our website NHS Inform (www.nhsinform.scot). It has fantastic information and self-help tools on leading a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.”