Heart disease is a general term used to describe conditions that affect the heart and its blood vessels.
The most common form in the UK is coronary heart disease, where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. This can cause chest pain, heart attacks, and, in severe cases, heart failure.
Other types of heart disease include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), congenital heart disease (problems you are born with), and valve disease, where the heart valves do not open and close properly. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in the UK, but the risks can be reduced with early detection and healthy lifestyle choices.
Yes, some groups of people are more prone to heart disease than others. Risk can increase due to age, gender, family history, and ethnicity. Men are generally at higher risk earlier in life, though women’s risk rises after the menopause. People from South Asian backgrounds have been shown to be more likely to develop heart disease at a younger age. Having close relatives with heart problems also increases your risk, particularly if they were diagnosed at a young age.
Yes, some groups of people are more prone to heart disease than others. Risk can increase due to age, gender, family history, and ethnicity. Men are generally at higher risk earlier in life, though women’s risk rises after the menopause. People from South Asian backgrounds have been shown to be more likely to develop heart disease at a younger age. Having close relatives with heart problems also increases your risk, particularly if they were diagnosed at a young age.
There are several types, each affecting the heart in different ways. Coronary artery disease is the most common, caused by a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries. This is sometimes called atherosclerosis. Heart failure happens when the heart is too weak to pump blood properly. Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that can make the heart beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Valve disease affects the way blood flows through the heart, and congenital conditions are present from birth.
Although these conditions are grouped together under “heart disease”, the risks and symptoms can vary depending on the type.
If you are worried about heart disease, there are several tests your doctor might suggest. Blood tests can check cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which are linked to heart risk. An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart and can spot irregular rhythms. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to look at how the heart muscle and valves are working. CT coronary angiograms and MRI scans can give detailed pictures of the heart and arteries. In some cases, a treadmill stress test is used to see how the heart performs during exercise.
Your GP will decide which tests are appropriate based on your symptoms, age, and risk factors.
Lifestyle has a major impact on heart health. Diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol, and stress all play a role. Eating a diet high in salt, sugar, or saturated fat can raise blood pressure and cholesterol, which increases risk. Being physically inactive makes the heart less efficient and raises the chance of obesity, another risk factor. Regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
Stress can also contribute to unhealthy behaviours such as overeating, drinking more alcohol, or smoking. Together, these choices add up over time, making lifestyle one of the biggest influences on whether someone develops heart disease.
Yes, even people who seem healthy can still develop heart disease. Some risk factors, such as family history, age, or certain medical conditions, cannot be controlled. For example, someone may eat well and exercise but still develop heart disease because of high cholesterol levels that run in their family. That is why regular health checks are important, even for people who feel well.
The risk of heart disease increases with age. In men, it often begins to rise after 45, while in women the risk rises after 55, particularly after the menopause. This is partly due to changes in hormone levels, which may provide some protection earlier in life. However, younger people are not immune. Poor lifestyle habits, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mean that more young adults are being diagnosed with heart problems today than in the past.
Smoking is one of the biggest preventable causes of heart disease. It damages the lining of the arteries, makes blood more likely to clot, and reduces oxygen in the blood. All of these changes put extra strain on the heart. Smokers are much more likely to have a heart attack than non-smokers.
Vaping is newer, and research is still ongoing. Early studies suggest that vaping may also affect blood vessels and raise the risk of heart problems, though likely less than smoking. However, because it often contains nicotine, it can still increase blood pressure and heart rate. Most experts agree that the safest choice for heart health is to avoid both smoking and vaping.
Yes, many large studies have looked at the traits linked with heart disease. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are the strongest risk factors. Being overweight, especially carrying extra fat around the waist, is also linked with greater risk. Genetics play a role, as people with a family history are more likely to develop it themselves. Research has also shown that people from certain ethnic backgrounds, particularly South Asian and African-Caribbean communities, are more likely to develop heart disease at younger ages and sometimes more severely.
UK Biobank Study – South Asian individuals and 28% higher risk of cardiovascular events
SABRE Study – South Asian vs African Caribbean cardiovascular risks
British Heart Foundation – Ethnicity and Heart Disease Research
UK Government Report – Ethnic disparities in cardiovascular mortality
Queen Mary University of London – Obesity and heavy heart structure
Imperial College London & University of Cambridge – Obesity and 26%–28% higher CHD risk
BMC Public Health – Meta-analysis: 5 BMI units = 29% higher CHD risk
British Heart Foundation – Obesity, waist size and cardiovascular risk
Men are generally at higher risk of heart disease earlier in life. However, women are more likely to develop certain types later on, particularly after the menopause when natural hormone protection declines. Heart disease symptoms in women can sometimes be less obvious, such as tiredness, nausea, or back pain, rather than the classic chest pain seen in men. This can mean it is diagnosed later, which can affect outcomes.
Excess weight, especially around the middle of the body, increases the chance of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which raise the risk of heart disease. On the other hand, regular exercise helps control weight, improves circulation, and keeps the heart strong. Even simple activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can reduce the risk significantly. People who exercise regularly have a much lower chance of developing heart problems than those who are inactive.
Yes, stress is often overlooked but it has a real impact on the heart. Long-term stress can raise blood pressure and encourage habits like overeating, smoking, or drinking too much alcohol. These all increase heart disease risk. Some studies also suggest stress hormones themselves may damage blood vessels over time. Learning to manage stress through relaxation, exercise, or talking therapies can make a big difference.
While you cannot change your age, gender, or family history, you can take steps to reduce the risks linked to lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains helps protect the heart. Cutting down on processed foods, salt, and sugar lowers the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol are also important. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight remain two of the strongest ways to protect your heart.
Heart disease is common, but some people are more prone than others. Men are at higher risk earlier, while women’s risk rises after the menopause. Age, ethnicity, and family history also play a role. Lifestyle has a huge impact, with smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise being major contributors. Even healthy people can develop heart disease, especially if they have hidden risk factors such as high cholesterol or a family history.
The good news is that many of the risks can be reduced through healthy choices and regular check-ups. Knowing your personal risk and making changes early can protect your heart for the future.
Disclaimer: Seonat provides general health information for educational purposes only. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition or before making health decisions.
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