The UK’s favourite GP, who regularly appears on hit British breakfast shows like Good Morning Britain, took to Healthspan’s Instagram to demonstrate his vital ‘heart health hacks’.
Using a life-sized model heart to illustrate his point, the 71-year-old said in the reel: “Take a look at this, this is exactly what your heart looks like.
“I think you’ll agree, considering what it does for you, that it’s worth looking after.”
The doctor continued: “Don’t strain it [your heart] by carrying too much weight, exercise it regularly – it’s a muscle – it loves a bit of exercise.”
He also warned against ‘clogging up your heart’ with too much cholesterol.
However, he also had a stark warning for people who rely on one harmful vice, adding: “Don’t smoke, your heart hates that.”
Instagram/@Healthspan.uk)
NHS guidance reveals smokers are at significant risk of heart and other cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes and heart attacks, with more than double the odds of having a heart attack compared to those who have never smoked.
Quitting for good also enhances physical well-being and reduces the risk of smoking-related diseases such as cancers, lung disease, heart conditions and stokes – and can even improve mental health.
The NHS has compiled a list of the best products to kick the habit as well as various support options for those keen to quit.
The GP has several snappy guides, covered in a series of videos on Healthspan’s Instagram which cover topics from chilling out to getting your blood pressure checked.
In one video, he talks about the importance of making ‘relaxation’ a priority for heart health, with scheduled down-time breaks away from the stress of everyday life.
Dr Hilary said: “Life can be pretty stressful, can’t it.
“Constant, relentless, exhausting – but too much stress is bad for our heart.”
He encouraged followers to ‘do what I do’ by putting time aside “just for yourself in your diary and chill out a bit”.
The Dr concluded: “Your heart will love you for it.”
Instagram/@Healthspan.uk)
In another, he warned ‘millions’ of people are walking around ‘right now’ with high blood pressure and don’t even know it.
While sporting a blood pressure monitor on himself, he continued: “They’re at risk of something they really don’t want, like stroke or heart attack, so get yours checked out soon.”
