Waist Circumferance

A free tape measure from British Heart Foundation 'Heart Matters' waist measurement.

Crabsallover waist 99cm (at 12st 2 pounds) - increasing health risks according to the tape or according to table below "your health is at risk".

Sharon 37" - health at risk.

Click image below "how to measure your waist" and for measurements "your health is at risk" or "your health is at high risk".

Join Heart Matters from BHF - receive a free tape measure .... and a lot more.

Risk Factors for strokes

reposted from: NHS Choices.

The conclusion that "targeted interventions that reduce blood pressure and smoking, and promote physical activity and a healthy diet, could substantially reduce the global burden of stroke", seems sensible says NHS Choices.

The European cardiovascular disease risk assessment model

Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE): High & Low cardiovascular Risk Charts based on gender, age, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and smoking status, with relative risk chart, qualifiers and instructions

SCORE risk charts for high risk countries (incl. UK): pdf

NICE review of cost effectiveness of Statins

2006 review by NICE includes trial data, benefits and cost effectiveness of statins in preventing CVD

NICE recommendations on how to reduce CVD (Cardiovascular disease)

reposted from: NHS Choices

Protect the population from the harmful effects of trans fats

• Eliminate the use of industrially produced trans fatty acids (IPTFAs) for human consumption.
• In line with other EU countries (specifically Denmark and Austria), introduce legislation to ensure that IPTFA levels do not exceed 2% in the fats and oils used in food manufacturing and cooking.
• Establish guidelines for local authorities to independently monitor IPTFA levels in the restaurant, fast-food and home food trades using existing statutory powers (in relation to trading standards or environmental health)

Does this guidance apply to me?

This guidance is aimed at improving the health of the population as a whole. It makes recommendations to people who can make changes to improve population health.

However, the principles underlying the recommendations also apply to individuals. For example, most people should reduce their salt, saturated fat and trans fat intake, as well as increasing their levels of physical activity.

Related NICE guidance focuses more on individuals, including guidance on stopping and preventing smoking and tobacco control, physical activity, obesity, high blood pressure and mother and child nutrition.

Links To The Headlines

NHS watchdog NICE calls for trans-fats ban in foods. BBC News, June 22 2010

Ban bad fats and cut salt to save 40,000 lives a year, says Nice. The Daily Telegraph, June 22 2010

Slash salt to 'prevent thousands of deaths. Daily Express, June 22 2010

Convenience food changes could save 'thousands of lives'. The Guardian, June 22 2010

Plea to stop using trans-fats. Financial Times, June 22 2010

5-point plan to save 40,000 lives. Daily Mirror, June 22 2010

Up to 40,000 a year killed by junk food, says health watchdog. Daily Mail, June 22 2010

Links To Science

Guidance on the prevention of cardiovascular disease at the population level. NICE June 2010