Quality Prescribing Guidance for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction 2026-2029

Diet

• Increased fruit and vegetable consumption is recommended for the entire population to reduce cardiovascular risk
• People with hypertension should be advised to reduce their salt intake as much as possible to lower blood pressure
• Eating a portion of oily fish (such as salmon and trout) each week can also help to lower the risk of developing heart disease
• Individuals are encouraged to follow the advice in NHS inform Eat Well Guide which helps support individuals to make healthier food choices

Alcohol

• Patients with or without evidence of cardiovascular disease should be advised to reduce alcohol consumption and that even light to moderate alcohol consumption may increase cardiovascular risk

Physical Activity

• Physical activity of at least moderate intensity is recommended for the whole population (unless contraindicated by an individual’s condition)
• Those who are moderately active and are able to increase their activity should be encouraged to do so. Activity can be increased through a combination of changes to intensity, duration or frequency
• Those who are already moderately active without contraindication can safely be encouraged to undertake vigorous-intensity exercise to achieve additional benefits