NHS Surrey is urging residents to look after their hearts by leading a healthy lifestyle, in support of National Heart Month.

The Trust is urging residents to stop smoking, drink sensibly and reducing obesity by being more active to reduce the risk of suffering from heart disease.

Gemma Hyland, 22, who works for NHS Surrey, underwent major heart surgery last year and is now giving advice to stop other people from suffering from heart disease as well. During a routine check up last year she discovered that she had a faulty heart valve, and without a replacement would find her health deteriorating, possibly resulting in open heart surgery.

She said: “It’s been a long and difficult journey with many emotional moments and a lot of hard work to get back on my feet. I would never have expected to have had to go through something like this, especially at my age, but it just goes to show you never know when things can happen. Even though my condition is not directly related to my lifestyle, I would still urge everyone to value your heart do what you can to stay healthy, don’t wait until its too late. It’s a very simple solution to avoid getting heart problems in the future.“

Find out more about NHS Surrey stop smoking services, drinking sensibly and how to lead a healthy lifestyle at www.surreyhealth.nhs.uk.