Listen: exercise and heart health

Today (September 29^th) is World Heart Day and new research reveals that for many people lockdown was a catalyst to start healthy habits, many of which are heart healthy.

Over a third (36%) said they led a healthier lifestyle during and after lockdown, with 36% saying they ate healthier meals, 33% saying they drank more water and 28% eating healthier snacks.

However, many picked up unhealthy habits that could be detrimental to heart health, with 26% admitting to mindlessly grazing throughout the day more often, 22% saying they ate more sugary foods and 2 in 5 (19%) drinking more alcohol.

While it seems there is an appetite to adopt new healthy habits to support heart health, with 27% of people saying they want to do this, there are barriers, such as confusion and lack of motivation, that can prevent us from even starting. Worryingly, 70% of Brits don’t know their families heart health history and 86% of 45-54-year olds do not monitor their blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Less than half (47%) believe that exercise can support heart health and only 41% know that maintaining a healthy weight can be effective. Additionally, only 38% think that following a balanced diet can support heart health, less than a third (30%) are aware that omega-3 can help and less than a quarter (24%) know that eating a handful of walnuts can help keep the heart healthy. In fact, walnuts are a great heart healthy food* and the only tree nut to contain a significant amount of the plant-based omega-3 ALA.

Aston spoke to psycholgist Dr Aria Campbell-Danesh to discuss the research in further detail and also was on hand to offer advice on how to keep your heart healthy.