Take steps for a healthier heart this World Heart Day

World Heart Day is a reminder to look after your heart today and for the future. Small, realistic changes can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), while knowing how to respond in an emergency could help save a life.

World Heart Day on 29 September raises awareness of cardiovascular diseases, its risk factors, and ways to prevent it. It encourages healthier lifestyles, early detection, and global action to reduce heart related deaths.

This year’s theme, ‘Don’t miss a beat’, calls on us to take practical steps to improve our heart health every day.

Know your risk

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the name for a group of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease and stroke. Some conditions may not cause symptoms, so understanding your personal risk and taking preventative action is important.

Factors that can increase your risk include smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being inactive or overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, and having a family history of CVD. Age and some other factors that cannot be changed may also affect your risk.

Make healthy choices that work for you

• Move more and build activity into your daily routine
• Eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetables
• Stop smoking and contact the Stop Smoking service for tailored support to quit
• Keep alcohol consumption within recommended limits
• Aim for a healthy weight
• Know and control your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels

If you are aged 40 to 74 and do not have an existing cardiovascular condition, you may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check. The check can help you understand your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, and identify steps to protect your health. Contact your GP practice if you think you are eligible but have not been invited.

For more ideas and information about local activities, sign up for tailored emails about local resources and support.

Check out when the next health pop up or health bus event is happening near you.

Know what to do in an emergency

A cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. If someone collapses, is unresponsive and is not breathing normally, call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance. The call handler will guide you through CPR and help locate the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED).

There are publicly accessible AEDs available across the borough to help in an emergency. Using one can make a critical difference and help save a life.

AEDs are designed so anyone can use them, even without training. Switch the device on and follow its spoken or visual instructions. It will assess the person’s heart rhythm and only deliver a shock if one is needed.

Defib Finder and The Circuit show the latest locations of AEDs across the borough and the UK.

Lifesaving AEDs in Richmond’s parks

Three new AEDs were installed in July 2026 at Heathfield Recreation Ground, Old Deer Park and Carlisle Park.

They were installed through work with The Richmond Heavies Foundation and The Paul Alan Project, helping residents to enjoy active community spaces with vital emergency equipment close at hand.

AED training

Local residents and families, park users, volunteers, community groups and sports clubs can book free training.

The Paul Alan Project and Richmond Rugby have organised free Basic Life Support (BLS) training at Richmond Athletic Ground on 4 October.

Register for the waitlist or keep an eye on the page for future sessions to learn this life-saving skill.

This World Heart Day, take one positive step for your heart, learn your numbers, choose a healthy habit you can maintain, and make sure you know how to act if someone nearby needs urgent help.