3a

Recording 3a

Narrator: Part 1

The heart is considered to be a muscle and, just like any other muscle in your body, your diet has a direct impact on the way that it works. The food you eat every day can affect the way that blood flows through your heart and arteries.

A diet that is high in fat can gradually cause a build-up in your arteries that slows down the blood flow and can even block small arteries. If an artery that carries blood to the heart becomes blocked, the heart muscle can die.

This is known as a heart attack and sufferers must receive treatment quickly. If the blockage occurs in an artery that carries blood to the brain, part of the brain can die.

This is known as a stroke. The effect of a stroke can be debilitating and there is no known cure. The correct diet can help you control your weight and keep your arteries clear, thereby reducing the risk of heart problems and stroke.