We spend a lot of February celebrating romance and matters of the heart, yet we rarely stop to check on the physical organ that’s actually keeping us alive. Let’s change that.
Heart disease is the UK’s quietest killer. Conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol don’t wait for an invite and they rarely send a warning. They are silent until they aren’t.
The traditional healthcare model is stuck in reactive mode: you wait for a symptom, try and get an appointment with a GP and then wait for a referral. We’re flipping that script. Proactive heart health is easier than you think. With all the data and tech at our fingertips, we can get a clear picture of your numbers today, so you can stay in control of your tomorrow.
Why your pharmacist is your best ally
You don’t always need a GP appointment to check on your heart. Independent pharmacies like Being Well are filling the gap in accessible, personalised care. We offer clinical expertise without the waiting room, providing a space where you can have a meaningful conversation about your longevity.
The three heart health areas we can advise you on
1. Quick and simple blood pressure tests
High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the ‘silent killer’ because you won’t feel it. According to the NHS, persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
At Being Well, we offer quick, in-pharmacy blood pressure checks with no appointment needed. But once you have your reading, what do the blood pressure numbers mean?
- Systolic (the top number): the pressure when your heart pushes blood out.
- Diastolic (the bottom number): the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
If your numbers are high, we don’t just hand you a slip of paper. We talk through what that means for your lifestyle and, if necessary, how to coordinate with your GP.
2. Understanding your cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood. You need some, but too much of the ‘bad’ kind (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) can clog your arteries. A simple blood test at our Hove pharmacy can give you a full lipid profile.
Instead of waiting weeks for a lab result, we provide insights into your cardiovascular risk quickly. Understanding your cholesterol is the first step in making smarter decisions about your diet and movement.
3. The makings of a healthy heart: key lifestyle tips
Testing is the ‘where am I now?’ Lifestyle is the ‘where am I going?’
Research consistently shows that the combination of diet, exercise and stress management is more powerful than any single intervention. The most famous study on this topic was Dr Dean Ornish’s research, which was the first to prove that intensive lifestyle changes, specifically a low-fat plant-based diet, moderate exercise and daily stress management, could actually reverse heart disease (narrowing of the arteries) without drugs. The study found that patients who did only one or two of these things often saw their disease progress, whereas those who did all three together saw significant regression.
Let’s break down why.
1. Nourish your heart Diet is your most powerful daily intervention. To truly protect your cardiovascular system, you need to look beyond calorie counting and focus on anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods. We’ve explored how to balance your plate for long-term health in our guide, The Real Deal on Eating Well.
2. Move beyond cardio While walking is great for the heart, strength is a vital sign. Research shows that building lean muscle mass improves metabolic health and can significantly lower your resting blood pressure. Discover why lifting matters for your longevity in our blog on Resistance Training Benefits.
3. Manage stress Chronic stress keeps your cortisol high, which can impact your blood pressure and heart rate variability. Finding small, daily ways to down-regulate your nervous system is as important as any supplement.
Supplementing your heart health
While a food-first approach is best, certain supplements can provide targeted support for cardiovascular function. Here are our top three (available on the Being Well shop).
Omega-3 For heart health, the best omega oil isn’t ever a single product per se but rather a specific type of fat: omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), such as this one from Viridian. While you may see omega-6 and omega-9 in stores, most people already get enough omega-6 from vegetable oils, and your body produces omega-9. For your heart, the focus is almost entirely on the balance of EPA and DHA:
- EPA: often called the heart protector. High-dose, purified EPA has shown the strongest evidence for reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death, particularly in people with high triglycerides.
- DHA: critical for brain and eye health, but also helps heart health by lowering heart rate and improving blood vessel function.
Magnesium Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, but its role in the heart is vital. It helps maintain a steady heart rhythm and acts as a natural ‘calcium channel blocker’, helping your blood vessels to relax and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. We love this one, also from Viridian.
Vitamin D Emerging research suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and increased cardiovascular risk. Beyond bone health, vitamin D helps regulate inflammation and blood pressure. Given the lack of sunlight in the UK, many of us are deficient without realising it. This one from Better You is a good option.
Always remember: supplements should never replace prescribed medications. Always speak with our pharmacists before starting a new supplement, especially if you’re already on medication.
Shop a wide range of heart health supplements here.
Know the red flags
Being proactive is the goal, but being informed is vital. You should seek medical advice immediately if you experience:
- Unusual palpitations or a ‘fluttering’ heart
- Shortness of breath that is out of proportion to your activity
- Swelling in your ankles or legs
- Chest pain or pressure
Take control today
Your heart works hard for you every single second. February is the perfect time to return the favour. Whether it’s a quick blood pressure check while you’re passing by or a deeper dive into your biomarkers via our blood testing services, we’re here to help you stay well, not just get well.
Pop into our Brighton pharmacy today for a blood pressure check or book your comprehensive heart health blood test online.