SOUTH Cheshire CCG wants residents to ensure their hearts are healthy this Valentine’s Day.

The CCG has stated that keeping our hearts in their best condition is one of the most important things we can do. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, being more physically active, reducing alcohol and giving up smoking are all things we can do to keep our hearts thumping.

Dr Sinead Clarke, GP and clinical director at NHS South Cheshire CCG and NHS Vale Royal CCG, said: "The smallest changes to our lifestyles could make a big difference.

"More fruit, vegetables, drinking a little less alcohol and taking a few more steps will help your heart.

"It's not about joining a gym or radically changing every part of your life, but maybe go one street further if you're walking the dog or park your car at the other end of the car park when you're out and about."

The group has also warned residents to be weary of chest pains, dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness.

These symptoms could be signs of Atrial fibrillation (AF).

Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.

You may be aware of noticeable heart palpitations, where your heart feels like it's pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, often for a few seconds or, in some cases, a few minutes.

Sometimes atrial fibrillation does not cause any symptoms and a person who has it is completely unaware that their heart rate is irregular.

If you have chest pain that comes and goes or that goes away quickly but you're still worried, call 111 or your GP surgery for advice.

You should call 999 if you have sudden chest pain that:

• Spreads to your arms, back, neck or jaw

• Makes your chest feel tight or heavy

• Also started with shortness of breath, sweating and feeling or being sick

• Lasts more than 15 minutes

You could be having a heart attack. Call 999 immediately as you need immediate treatment in hospital.