National Heart Month

February is National Heart Month, and it is important to understand how to keep your heart healthy and stay informed about the risks of heart related conditions.  

We all need some cholesterol in our blood to stay healthy, but too much can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Almost 1 in 2 adults have high cholesterol. 

Cholesterol levels can be affected by several factors including lifestyle, diet, genetics and health conditions such as diabetes. Anyone can have high cholesterol, even if you are young, slim, eat well and exercise. 

Cholesterol can clog up the arteries that carry blood around the body, making them narrower and causing blood clots. If the arteries become clogged up, the blood does not flow as easily, and this can lead to a range of cardiovascular diseases. Heart UK encourages adults to get a cholesterol test - click here for more information.  

In addition to measuring your cholesterol, you can also work out your own risk of developing heart disease over the next 10 years with the NHS Heart Age tool - click here to access.  

British Heart Foundation are offering free lifesaving CPR training in just 15 minutes – click here to access. 

The College has defibrillators located throughout the campus. To see all their locations click here.