Heart and circulatory diseases remain one of the most significant health challenges in the UK. Around 7.6 million people are living with heart and circulatory conditions, including coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure — a testament to just how widespread these issues are across the country.

Despite remarkable progress – the UK’s age-standardised death rate from heart and circulatory diseases has dropped substantially over the past few decades – these conditions still account for around a quarter of all deaths in the UK and place immense emotional, social and economic strain on families, communities and employers.

This Healthy Heart Month, it’s vital to reflect on the scale of the challenge and celebrate the opportunities we have to reduce risk — both for ourselves and for those around us.

Why Heart Health Matters in the UK

• Heart and circulatory diseases remain among the leading causes of illness and death nationwide.

• More than 200,000 new diagnoses of heart failure are made each year, and over 820,000 people are on GP heart failure registers.

• Many cardiovascular conditions are largely preventable — research suggests that around 80 % of heart attacks and strokes could be avoided by tackling modifiable risk factors.

These modifiable factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity and obesity — all of which are strongly linked to how we live our lives day to day.

Top Tips to Reduce Your Risk

Making small, sustainable changes to your lifestyle can have a profound effect on your heart health. Here are evidence-based tips to support long-term heart resilience:

1. Embrace a Heart-Healthy Diet

Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day helps lower your risk of heart and circulatory diseases. Choose whole grains, lean proteins, legumes and oily fish (like salmon) to help manage cholesterol and blood pressure.

Small swaps — such as replacing processed foods with whole foods, choosing olive oil over saturated fats, and cutting back on sugary and salty snacks — can make your meals both more satisfying and more heart-friendly.

2. Stay Active Every Day

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart and circulatory disease by up to 35 %.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week — brisk walking, cycling, swimming or dancing all count. Even walking meetings, taking the stairs or short active breaks during the workday can add up and support your heart.

3. Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol

Smoking dramatically increases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking at any age reduces risk rapidly. Cutting down alcohol – especially exceeding recommended limits – also supports healthy blood pressure and heart rhythm.

4. Know Your Key Numbers

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are often silent — many people are unaware they have them. Regular checks are essential: keeping blood pressure and cholesterol within healthy limits significantly reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

5. Manage Stress and Prioritise Sleep

Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health, while adequate sleep supports recovery, blood pressure regulation and metabolic health. Prioritise routines that help you unwind and listen to your body’s needs.

Heart Health in the Workplace

Workplaces play a crucial role in shaping lifestyle habits. Employers who promote heart health can improve wellbeing, boost productivity and lower absenteeism — it’s a win-win.

This Healthy Heart Month:

👉 Book health checks for your team — early detection of risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol can save lives. Tailored workplace health screening programmes help employees understand their personal risks and take action.

👉 Run awareness webinars focused on heart health — topics could include nutrition, stress management, physical activity and understanding cardiovascular risk. Education empowers employees to make lasting, positive changes.

👉 Create supportive environments — from healthy catering options to movement challenges and wellbeing resources, your workplace can be a hub of positive heart health culture.

Take Action Today

Heart health isn’t something to leave until tomorrow — it’s something to act on today. Whether you’re an individual thinking about your own wellbeing, or a business leader looking to support your workforce, Healthy Heart Month is a vital reminder that prevention works and education matters.

💙 Book your workplace health checks now and schedule heart health awareness webinars to empower your team — because strong hearts make stronger people, and stronger workplaces.