Love your HEART

Adopting these habits can have a big impact on your body

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Think heart attacks mostly affect overweight, middle-aged men? You're not alone, but the numbers tell a different story. Around 100 women a day in the UK are admitted to hospital with a heart attack, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The good news? There are plenty of ways to cut your risk - from slashing your salt intake to staying active. Here, our experts reveal all, including the subtle signs to look out for so you can get treatment as soon as possible.

Stay active

Do you spend most of your day sitting? Not moving regularly raises your risk of cardiovascular disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate (or 75 minutes of vigorous) aerobic activity a week. 'Moderate aerobic activity will raise your heart rate, making you breathe faster,' says Dr Gill Jenkins. 'You can tell if you're working at moderate intensity if you can still talk, but not sing.' Try brisk walking, cycling or swimming. 'Vigorous activity makes you breathe hard and fast, so you're unable to say more than a few words,' adds Dr Gill. Try jogging or tennis.

Clean up your lifestyle