World Heart Day: small steps Richmond residents can take today
29 September 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
Today, 29 September, is World Heart Day — and Richmond Council is using the occasion to encourage residents to think seriously about cardiovascular health before problems arise.
This year's global theme is 'Don't miss a beat', a call to take practical, everyday steps to protect your heart. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) covers a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease and stroke. Importantly, some forms carry no obvious symptoms, which is why knowing your personal risk matters.
Risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, being overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a family history of CVD. Age also plays a role.
If you are between 40 and 74 and do not already have a cardiovascular condition, you may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check — a straightforward way to understand where you stand and catch concerns early.
Richmond Council's full guidance covers lifestyle changes, early detection and what to do in a cardiac emergency — including how to perform CPR. (A reminder that free CPR and defibrillator training is also available in Richmond's parks on 4 October.)
Full details on steps you can take are available on the Richmond Council website.