People with learning disabilities, like many other people today, are often overweight and at risk of coronary heart disease due to an unsuitable diet and lack of exercise. But most of us can prevent heart disease if we make simple and practical changes in our lifestyle.

 

Looking After My Heart is about Jane, who smokes, drinks alcohol and likes party food. We first see her celebrating her 25th birthday with her family and friends. Several years later her father dies of a heart attack. When Jane starts to have chest pains, a friend reminds her of what happened to her father, but she refuses to go to see her GP. Then she has a heart attack in the street and is taken to hospital. There, Jane’s heart is carefully monitored, and she has some tests. The hospital doctor gives her medication and advice about how to look after herself better. By the end of the book, Jane is fully recovered and we see her swimming, and going out with her family and friends.

 

The book also contains written information about the symptoms of heart disease, what causes it, and how it is treated, plus a list of helpful organisations. This section includes guidance on how to tell if someone is having a heart attack and diagrams on what to do if they are.