Heart disease is one of the biggest health problems in Wales, with up to 6,000 people dying per year according to some estimates. It happens because the main coronary arteries narrow and restrict blood to the heart, which is itself a muscle. This creates pains in the chest called angina, a clear sign of heart disease, and if untreated, this can ultimately lead to a heart attack.
To a large extent, heart disease is a combination of your genetic inheritance and your lifestyle. The best advice is to eat healthily, not to smoke, drink in moderation only and to exercise regularly, if you want a good chance of avoiding this condition.
If you're worried about this or heart disease is already part of your life, then there are sources of help and support available below.
BHF Cymru are trying to fight heart disease in Wales through health campaigns, lobbying for better services and developing research.
Good heart health advice and research into better treatment for heart problems across Wales.
NHS Direct Wales is a 24 hour helpline, which can give advice about health and health services across Wales. It is staffed by experienced nurses specially trained to give advice over the phone and provide information about all your local services.
Advice on healthy eating for your heart from the Food Standards Agency.
A practical website and telephone support service giving you infomation about how to stop smoking.
Advice form the Wales Assembly Government on how to improve your health and wellbeing in general.
Extensive, good quality health information usually provided by GPs and nurses during consultation.