HEART disease is the biggest killer in the western world and affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

The heart is made up mainly of muscle, which rhythmically contracts and relaxes and it pumps blood and oxygen around the body and eliminates waste matter from tissue and organs.

Coronary arteries are tubes which carry blood to the heart. If the arteries fur up, it increases the chances of them becoming blocked, which makes a person vulnerable to a heart attack.

High cholesterol levels are known to have a direct effect on the heart.

As cholesterol levels rise, the greater the risk of furred arteries. Lower cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disease. High blood pressure over a long period of time damages the muscles of the heart and is a major risk factor for strokes.

Obesity in women is associated with furring up of the arteries.

Do not smoke. Cigarette smoking has a disastrous effect on the heart, and the more you smoke the greater the risk of heart disease. Diabetes in women heightens the risk of furred-up arteries more than in men.

Regular exercise is important as it will help to increase the circulation, help to keep weight down, and control blood sugar levels. And what better exercise can you take up than belly dancing?

There is growing evidence that stress is also linked to coronary heart disease but it is not one of the main risk factors.

However, research evidence suggests that, for some people, stress may contribute towards coronary heart disease.

Life-changing situations such as divorce, the break-up of a relationship, the death of a loved one, work, losing your job, or just life in general, can be risk factors.

To help reduce the risk of heart disease it is important to change your lifestyle, learn to relax and deal with stress.

Risk factors for coronary disease can also be prevented by drinking less alcohol, eating less fatty foods, such as junk foods, eat sensibly and include plenty of vegetables and fruit in your diet, as they contain anti-oxidants which could help prevent your arteries furring.

Include pasta, beans, rice, pulses and potatoes in your diet, and cut down on your intake of sugar and salt.

Keep your weight down and take up a physical activity, such as belly dancing, which is an ideal exercise.

Gentle belly dance movement combined with correct breathing exercises will calm and stimulate your mind, improve your circulation and muscle tone, which includes your heart.

For an information pack call Heart Health Line on 0870 6000 6566.