Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy Generator

What you can do to reduce your risk

Use the NHS heart age tool to calculate your risk of heart disease and find out why knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers is so important for your heart health.

If you click on any links within the NHS tool, it'll open in a new window.



If you're aged between 40 and 74 you can expect to be invited for an [NHS Health Check](/health-checks) every 5 years. This can tell you if you’re at a higher risk of getting heart disease along with certain other health problems. Based on the results you'll be given practical advice to reduce your risk.

You're at a greater risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) if:

  • you smoke
  • you're overweight, especially if you've excess fat around your waist
  • you've got high cholesterol
  • you've got high blood pressure
  • you're physically inactive
  • you eat an unhealthy diet
  • you drink too much alcohol
  • you've got mental health problems
  • you've got diabetes
  • you've a family history of heart disease

Your age and gender may also mean you're at a greater risk.

A healthier lifestyle can help to reduce your risk of developing CHD: