What to do

If you have heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes in your
family . . . get tested at regular intervals. If you have one parent
with any of these conditions your chances are 4 : 1 of getting the
same in the future.

If we detect the early signs of heart disease we will tell you every detail
you need to know in order to control it. We would then test you at
regular intervals to make sure that the interventions you undertake are
having the desired effect. There is no place for wishful thinking. There
is no place for thinking that because you are taking the tablets, eating
the ‘right’ things or doing some exercise that they are working. When
a lethal outcome is possible you need to be sure that the interventions
work. If they are not working a change will be necessary.

Whatever you do decide to do, it goes without saying that those who
smoke have twice the chance of dying before the age of 65. Those who
are athletically fit are half as likely to get heart disease - so get fit
and lose weight if necessary. If you can afford it, have a low-carb,
Mediterranean diet. Above all learn to add life to years before you
worry about adding years to life. OK, so you know how to make a
living but, do you know how to make a life? Just a few thoughts for
you to consider!