5 things your heart could do without

JOE.ie looks at five things you should avoid in order to steer clear of the number one killer: heart disease.

Approximately 10,000 people in Ireland die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD) - including coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and other circulatory diseases.

CVD is the most common cause of death in Ireland, accounting for 36% of all deaths. The largest number of these deaths relate to CHD - mainly heart attack - at 5,000. 22% of premature deaths (under age 65) are from CVD.

The following five puts you at grave risk of becoming the one man in every five worldwide which dies from coronary heart disease.

1. Cigarettes

Smokers are twice as likely to develop a heart problem compared to non-smokers. It increases your risk of heart disease and peripheral vascular disease (a disease in the vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs).

Research has shown that smoking increases heart rate, tightens major arteries, and can create irregularities in the timing of heartbeats, all of which make your heart work harder and can lead to heart attacks.

2. Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood. It can also lead to high blood pressure, heart failure and an increased calorie intake. Go easy on the sauce lads, and avoid the binges.

3. Couch slouching

Exercise is, of course, a preventative of heart disease so get off the couch and hit the gym. If you’re having trouble with motivation, have a look at JOE’s Fitness Challenge.

4. Junk food

Fatty foods have a direct link to heart problems. Over 30% of worldwide heart attacks can be put down to high-fat diets. Go easy on the greasy spoon.

5. The justification

Don’t continue to tell yourself that “it will never happen to me”. Whether you’re overweight, athletic, a smoker or teetotaler, it can happen to just about anyone. Take our advice on board and don’t become the one in five.