Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is one of the biggest killer of males in the United Kingdom. It's primarily caused when the hearts arteries become clogged by fatty deposits.

As a result the blood flow from the heart reduces and can actual clot (thrombus). This over time will lead to a heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI).

Risk factors
The risk of developing CHD increases with age (over 45 years old), if you are a male or if there is a family history of heart difficulties. That said, the increase of CHD over the past 20 years can be attributed to 3 major lifestyle changes.

• Poor diet
• Lack of activity
• Smoking

Controlling our diet
Overeating in general will result in obesity. This factor will increase the amount of cholesterol within the body. It is this 'fatty deposit' which lines the arteries, hardens and leads to the development of CHD.

What can we do: Reduce the amount of fatty foods we eat and only eat when we feel hunger.

The benefits on regular exercise
Developing a basic exercise program (walking, jogging, swimming etc) increases the amount of 'good' cholesterol within the body. This substance attacks the harmful fatty acids which is then deposited via human waste.

The negative effects of smoking
It is estimated that every cigarette steals 7 minutes from the smokers life! Smokers suffer more heart attacks than nonsmokers (by 5 times!).

Smokers have a reduced capacity to deliver oxygen around the body. This coupled with a poor diet and high cholesterol levels increases the chance of developing a thrombus, and consequently a heart attack.