What Heart Health Information and Support Does the BHF Offer?

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) provides four main routes to heart health help: condition-specific information and answers to heart health questions, healthy lifestyle guidance (including over 300 heart-healthy recipes), access to a cardiac nurse through its Heart Helpline by phone, email or webchat, and a free heart health magazine. These are open to anyone looking for general heart health information, whether you are living with a condition or simply trying to look after your heart. The BHF describes itself as the biggest independent funder of cardiovascular research in the UK, so its information sits alongside a research mission rather than replacing advice from your own clinician.

Heart condition information and answers to your questions

The BHF's "Get heart information and support" section is the starting point if you want to learn about a specific heart condition or find answers to heart health questions. It is designed for "all your heart health questions, big or small," according to the site. Use this when you have a named condition to look up or a general question about how the heart works.

Healthy lifestyle guidance and recipes

For prevention and day-to-day heart health, the BHF publishes expert nutrition tips, real-life stories, inspiration to get active, and over 300 heart-healthy recipes. This section suits readers who want practical changes rather than clinical information — for example, someone looking for meal ideas after being told to eat more heart-healthily.

The site also answers timely questions, such as how hot weather affects the heart. Its guidance notes that in hot weather your body has to work harder to stay cool, which can put extra strain on the heart, especially if you have a heart condition — and it offers tips for staying safe and cool.

The Heart Helpline: speaking to a cardiac nurse

If your question is not answered by the written information, the BHF offers a Heart Helpline staffed by cardiac nurses. You can contact them by phone, email or webchat. The site states that nurses can answer your questions or give general advice. This is a route for general guidance, not a diagnosis or a substitute for your own doctor.

The free heart health magazine

The BHF offers a free heart health magazine, listed among its most-viewed resources. It is a low-effort way to keep up with heart health topics if you prefer reading in print or at your own pace.

Other ways to engage with the BHF

Beyond information, the site lists several ways to get involved:

• Shop BHF — buy preloved furniture, homeware and appliances in store or online, or book a free furniture collection to donate items.
• Fundraising — the BHF provides tips, resources and support for your own fundraising.
• Events — in-person events across the UK and virtual events through "Team BHF," including programmes such as Strong Woman for Life.

Why the BHF frames this as urgent

The BHF's context helps explain why these resources exist. According to the site, every three minutes someone in the UK dies from cardiovascular disease; over 8 million people in the UK are living with cardiovascular disease; and cardiovascular disease kills 1 in 4 people in the UK. The BHF states its vision is "a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer," and that donations fund research into diagnosing, treating and preventing what it calls the world's biggest killer.

How to choose the right route

Start with the written information for most questions; turn to the Heart Helpline when you need general advice or clarification. For anything specific to your own health, the BHF's general guidance is a complement to, not a replacement for, your own clinician.