Tune your engine by using the right fuels. The heart needs: 

• fresh air
• a balanced diet 
• a healthy weight 
• regular exercise and 
• a relaxed attitude. 

Heart disease is caused when the arteries that pump your blood get damaged with gunk called plaque. This makes the arteries harden and narrow. The main causes are:

• smoking
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• diabetes
• lack of exercise
• being overweight
• family history.

Know your history

You can get a good idea of the hand you’ve been dealt by knowing your history. 

Many health problems run in families: heart disease, cancer, strokes, depression, mental health challenges.  Find out if your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have had any of these illnesses, especially if they died young. 

Make sure your GP knows your family health history.

Check your heart age

Get a check-up

Meanwhile, get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked. If you’re over 40 and live in England, ask your GP practice for a free NHS Health Check which will estimate your risk of getting heart disease.

Here’s a little incentive to look after your heart: everything that is good for your heart is good for your penis. Clear, unblocked arteries mean firm, durable erections. Click for more on erection problems (an early warning sign for heart disease).

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