What's more important on Valentine's Day than your heart?

Valentine’s Day is the time of year to celebrate love and romance, but your heart plays a vital role every single day of your life. Its main job is to keep the blood pumping around your body - though it may beat faster when you’re with that special someone! It's important we do what we can to protect our hearts and keep them healthy.

So how can we look after our hearts?

1. Stop smoking

By not smoking you can protect your heart and blood vessels from damage.

2. Stay physically active

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity a week with muscle strengthening exercises at least two days a week. This will help to keep that blood pumping!

3. Cut back on salt

Lowering your salt intake to 6g a day or less can help lower your blood pressure, meaning your heart doesn’t have to work overtime to get your blood going.

4. Eat a balanced diet

This will help control your weight and keep your cholesterol levels down. Your diet should be low in saturated fat, filled with high-fiber foods, fruit and vegetables and lean protein sources.

Following these tips can help reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is when your arteries begin to develop fatty plaques which reduce the amount of blood that can get through which can lead to the development of a blood clot, heart attack or stroke. Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death on the island of Ireland and worldwide so it is important we do what we can to protect our hearts and keep them strong and healthy.

Some other risk factors that may increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease include being over 40, being male, having a family history of heart disease or being from certain ethnic backgrounds. Now these factors we have no control over, so it is important we do all we can to reduce our risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

So, this Valentine’s Day, get physically active by going on a walk together. Have a home-cooked meal together such as salmon and your favorite greens for some heart-healthy fats and forgo the chocolates.