A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, results from a complete blockage of one of the main arteries that supply blood to your heart.

Angina is usually caused by the gradual narrowing of the coronary arteries (coronary artery disease) with fatty deposits resulting in reduced blood supply to a part of the heart.

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fatty material (atheroma or plaque) in the lining of your blood vessels (arteries).

The heart acts as a pump that pushes your blood throughout the body, occasionally, your heart may not pump blood out efficiently. Heart Failure is a chronic disease that is controlled by lifestyle changes and treatment.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition characterised by an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) leading to an irregular heart beat.

Palpitations refer to the sensation of feeling your heartbeat. They are often harmless however may be associated with abnormal heart rhythms.

A heart murmur relates to an extra or abnormal heart sound. Occasionally, no cause may be identified for a murmur. It may, however, be due to an abnormal structure within the heart

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when your blood pressure is consistently higher than normal.

If your ‘bad’ cholesterol is high, it will build up in the walls of your blood vessels until it eventually completely blocks the vessels.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or does not control sugar levels correctly.

Weight gain leads to increased build-up of fatty material in your arteries, which are the blood vessels which carry blood to your organs.

The chemicals found in tobacco lead to atherosclerosis; the build-up of plaque in your blood vessels and doubles your risk of suffering from a heart attack.

Air pollution damages your blood vessels, causing them to become narrower. This restricts blood flow and increases your blood pressure.

Physical inactivity refers to a person who is not undertaking the recommended level of physical activity. This is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

A family history for CVD is significant if your brother or father is diagnosed with CVD before the age of 55 and your sister or mother is diagnosed with CVD before the age of 65.