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.