Image: Exercise will be promoted by the government

The Welsh Government has vowed to boost awareness of "positive lifestyle improvements" such as regular exercise as part of a major new strategy to reduce heart disease by 2016.

Health minister Lesley Griffiths has published a draft version of its Together For Health - A Cardiac Delivery Plan as part of a public consultation running until 26 October.

Working in conjunction with partners including the NHS, the Welsh Government will focus on prevention, earlier diagnosis and treatment to reduce heart disease-related deaths.

Among outcomes expected for people as a result of NHS care is an improvement to both the access and co-ordination of services that address risk levels - such as exercise referral.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government will promote the use of exercise in reducing heart disease and will help all Welsh people to take responsibility for their own health.

Griffiths said: "We must do more to prevent avoidable cardiac disease, identify those at risk and manage that risk well. Where cardiac disease does occur, we want to focus on prompt diagnosis and the best treatment."

Dr Chris Jones, cardiologist and NHS Wales medical director, added: "The risk can be reduced by simple lifestyle changes, such as not smoking, drinking alcohol sensibly, exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet to reduce the risk of obesity."

Click here for more information about the Welsh Government's major new plan to reduce heart disease, with regular exercise to be a key area of focus.

Image: Holly Kuchera/shutterstock.com