Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the UK and across the world, according to the NHS. It’s caused by the blood supply becoming blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in your arteries. These fatty deposits start to accumulate in the walls of the arteries. The number of under-75s dying from heart and circulatory disease has increased for the first time in 50 years, new research has revealed. Obesity is a leading cause of heart disease. You could be at risk of the condition if your waist is above certain sizes.

Heart disease could be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, diet, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes

Dr Chris

All men should aim to avoid a waist size larger than 38 inches, according to ITV This Morning’s Dr Chris Steele.

Meanwhile, women should look out for waist sizes above 32 inches, he added.

Heart disease is preventable, so changing your lifestyle could lower your risk of the condition.

“Heart disease could be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, diet, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes,” said Dr Chris.

“These can go undiagnosed – you don’t always know you’ve got those conditions.

“Obesity – measure your waist. Everyone knows their waist size.

“Your waist should be under 38 inches for men, and under 32 inches for women.

“This condition is caused by lifestyle. It’s all preventable.”

Around one in every four adults are obese in the UK, added the NHS. One in every five children aged 10-11 are obese.

Having a larger waist circumference generally increases your risk of obesity-related health problems, it said.

If you are obese or overweight, you could lose weight by eating a balanced, calorie-controlled diet.

Walking, jogging, swimming or tennis could all help you to get active, and aim for between 150 to 300 minutes of activity each week.

When eating, slow down and eat slower. Try to avoid situations where you could be tempted to overeat.

Heart disease symptoms include chest pain, heart attacks, and heart failure.

You’re at a higher risk of the condition if you’re a smoker, or if you have high blood pressure.

Speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the signs or symptoms of heart disease.

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