In the spring of 2025, the Scottish Government set a goal to reduce avoidable cardiovascular deaths in Scotland by 20% over the next 20 years. This goal focuses on conditions with common risk factors, including heart disease, strokes, aortic artery disease, and peripheral artery disease.

Common, Modifiable Risk Factors

These conditions share several risk factors that you can control:

• High cholesterol
• Being overweight
• Being inactive
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes

Our practice has gathered information resources to help you understand and manage these risk factors.

Helpful Resources

The British Heart Foundation has an excellent page which covers all these factors (and others) and has links to more detailed information about these risks, conditions and treatments.

High Cholesterol

Heart UK provides comprehensive information on how to lower your cholesterol and available medical treatments. Heart UK

Being Overweight

NHS Inform offers guidance on maintaining a healthy diet and weight. NHS Inform - Healthy Living

NHS Lothian runs a 12-week weight management program supported by dietitians and nutritionists. You can find more information and sign up here.

Being Inactive

NHS Inform provides tips on exercise and staying active.

Edinburgh Leisure offers programs for individuals with long-term conditions. Your GP may refer you if you have conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, diabetes, heart failure, liver disease, respiratory disease, or mental health difficulties.

Alcohol Consumption

NHS Inform has resources on drinking sensibly, knowing your limits, and getting support for alcohol-related issues.

Smoking

NHS Inform provides information on quitting smoking and available supports. Smoking cessation products are available directly from pharmacies without a GP prescription.

High Blood Pressure

Several lifestyle factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including activity levels, weight, diet, salt intake, and alcohol consumption. The British Heart Foundation has a helpful page on high blood pressure.

If you are considering buying a blood pressure machine, please read our advice here.

You can update your GP with your blood pressure readings here.

Pre-diabetes and Diabetes

Individuals with pre-diabetes can self-refer to NHS Lothian’s “Let's Prevent Diabetes” program, which runs in person and online at your own pace.

For more information about diabetes, we recommend:
NHS Lothian Diabetes Leaflets
Diabetes UK
NHS Inform