Bearing in mind that one in two Poles dies from cardiovascular disease , it is important to maintain healthy habits, avoid stress and support each other. It is clear that the basis for the non-pharmacological prevention of heart disease is an adequate healthy diet. It is directly related to risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as elevated levels of 'bad' cholesterol, being overweight or diabetes.

The ingredients that should be included in the aforementioned diet are primarily:

• fatty acids (which have a greater effect than simply reducing cholesterol intake on blood cholesterol levels),
• vitamins, minerals,
• an adequate amount of fibre.

Consumption of alcohol and fizzy drinks should also be kept to a minimum. The protective potential of diets has also been identified - the Mediterranean diet is an example - and its positive effects on measurable risk factors (e.g. blood pressure) have been evaluated.

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We know what a significant impact tobacco use has on health. Despite this, the rate of smokers has decreased slightly in recent years. This unpleasant habit is responsible for 50% of avoidable deaths among smokers. Also, for people who are constantly in a tobacco environment, so-called passive smokers, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases by 30%. In many cases, the benefits of stopping smoking are almost immediate.