He stressed that maintaining a healthy heart isn’t complicated, but it does require commitment to basic lifestyle changes. His key suggestions included regular exercise, weight management, reducing cholesterol, stress management, and, perhaps most importantly, quitting smoking.

Smoking: A Major Threat to Heart Health
Dr. Hilary’s strongest warning was directed at smokers. “Don’t smoke—your heart hates that,” he stated bluntly. He added that smoking places significant strain on the cardiovascular system and is one of the primary preventable causes of heart attacks and strokes.

This advice is consistent with guidelines from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), which clearly states that smokers have more than double the risk of experiencing a heart attack compared to non-smokers. The chemicals in tobacco damage the lining of the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis—a condition where arteries become clogged and narrowed due to the buildup of fatty material. This can ultimately cause heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues.

The Numbers Behind the Risk
The statistics behind Dr. Hilary’s warning are alarming. According to NHS data: