Research funded by Heart Research UK means that fewer people are dying of heart disease, however coronary heart disease is still the single biggest killer in the UK.

Unfortunately many people do not realise that this may be a problem until they experience symptoms such as angina or even a heart attack.

Although this can happen without warning, the condition will have taken years to develop.

Angina

Gradually, fatty deposits build up on the inside of the coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood to the heart and if they become narrowed the heart will not get enough oxygen, which may lead to angina.

Heart attack

A heart attack occurs when the narrowed artery becomes blocked causing a part of the heart muscle to be completely starved of oxygen.

Atherosclerosis

The fatty deposits or 'furring up' of the arteries is called atheroma and the hardening of these deposits is called sclerosis. Coronary heart disease is a result of atherosclerosis, the gradual narrowing and hardening of the arteries over time.

Preventing heart disease

Research has shown that, in most instances, coronary heart disease is preventable and that by making the right lifestyle changes we can dramatically reduce the risk factors of heart disease.

For more information about keeping your heart healthy contact Heart Research UK's Lifestyle Officer on 0113 297 6206 or email lifestyle@heartresearch.org.uk