This Heart Month, take small steps to protect your heart and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
It’s Never Too Late to Protect Your Heart
Heart disease and stroke remain among the leading causes of death and disability in Ireland.
Many of the factors that increase our risk become more common as we get older, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
The good news is that up to 80% of early heart disease and stroke can be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes.
It’s never too late to take steps that can benefit your heart health.
Not sure what cardiovascular disease is or why it matters?
Watch our short video to learn how heart disease and stroke develop and the small steps you can take to protect your heart.
When you sign up, you’ll receive a free 6-part email programme designed to help you take practical steps towards better heart health.
You’ll receive:
✅ Happy Heart Quiz
✅ My Heart Health Guide
✅ Know Your Numbers guidance
✅ Expert Advice from our Registered Dietitian
✅ Physical Activity Specialist support
✅ Heart healthy recipes
✅ Practical videos and expert tips
✅ A six-part Heart Health email series
✅ A 28-Day Heart Health Plan
Small changes can make a big difference to your heart health
Small changes can make a big difference to your heart health. Explore these eight heart healthy steps and discover practical ways to support your heart at your own pace.
❤️ Eat for a Healthy Heart
Eating well is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Focus on plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and healthy fats while limiting foods high in salt, sugar and saturated fat.
Learn more about heart healthy eating
🚶 Move More
Every move counts. Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve sleep, reduce stress and help you maintain a healthy weight. Walking, gardening, housework and playing with grandchildren all count.
⚖️ Aim for Your Best Weight
Your best weight is the weight you achieve while living the healthiest life you can enjoy and sustain long term. Small, consistent habits are far more effective than quick fixes.
Find practical tips to help you achieve your best weight →
🚭 Quit Smoking or Vaping
Stopping smoking or vaping is the single most important thing you can do for your heart health. It’s never too late to quit and the benefits begin almost immediately.
🍷 Drink Less Alcohol
Many people are surprised to learn that even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Cutting back, or choosing not to drink, can help protect your heart.
Learn how alcohol affects heart health →
🩺 Know Your Numbers
Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and pulse can help you understand your heart health and spot potential issues early. High blood pressure and cholesterol often have no symptoms.
🧘 Manage Your Stress
Stress is a normal part of life, but ongoing stress can affect both your mental wellbeing and heart health. Activities like regular movement, spending time outdoors, getting enough sleep and staying connected with others can help.
Discover ways to manage stress
💊 Take Your Medication →
If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a heart condition, taking any prescribed medication as directed is an important part of looking after your heart health.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Join our free Love Your Heart Programme this Heart Month and receive expert guidance, practical resources and ongoing support to help you make small changes for a healthier heart.