September is the launch of our #HERdisease campaign, aimed to raise awareness of the fact that 23,000 women die from coronary heart disease every year in the UK and dispel the myth that heart disease only affects men.
As part of the campaign, people are encouraged to take ownership of their heart health numbers. Cholesterol levels and blood pressure are two key markers to understanding your risk of heart disease.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as 2 figures: 1) Systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart pumps blood out, 2) Diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart is at rest, between pumps. Systolic pressure is always shown on top, and diastolic pressure is always shown on the bottom. A simple lifestyle step like reducing your salt intake can help reduce your blood pressure.
Cholesterol
There are two main types of cholesterol, LDL, sometimes termed ‘bad’ cholesterol, and HDL, sometimes termed as ‘good cholesterol’. The reality is that we do need some of both types of cholesterol, but the incorrect balance can be harmful. When LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can contribute to plaque formation, whilst HDL cholesterol removes harmful cholesterol from the bloodstream. Before women go through the menopause they can naturally have a higher HDL cholesterol due to the presence of oestrogen which seems to boost good cholesterol. See our previous healthy tip for ways to reduce bad cholesterol.
Get a Test
The only way to know if your blood pressure or cholesterol is high is to have it checked. Checks are quick and easy, and it could be lifesaving. Adults aged 40 years or over should aim to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. You can ask your GP to check your blood pressure, or you may be able to have your blood pressure checked with your local pharmacy or gym. You could also consider investing in a home blood pressure monitor to keep track of your numbers.
For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.
To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.
Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.
