Forty per cent of deaths are caused by diseases of the circulatory system, something that makes it all the more important for people to tackle the risks of cardiovascular disease.

With World Heart Day being marked today, Health Minister Joe Cassar has urged the public to start living a healthier lifestyle, something, he said, which should not be left to the last minute.

Heart disease was not an infectious condition but something which was determined by lifestyles.

The risks of heart disease were well known and the Health Promotion Directorate and Disease Prevention raised awareness on what people should eat, that excess weight is harmful, the dangers of smoking and the importance of controlling stress, he said.

“The changes we need to make are small but they have a big effect on our health. If we make wise choices one at a time, we begin changing our lifestyle while doing our best to live a healthier life and avoiding disease. The choice is in our hands.”

To mark the event, the ministry will be opening its doors to the public at Notte Bianca in Valletta today to offer assistance and information about the risks of heart disease and how to lead a healthier life.

Medical students will be offering similar advice tomorrow between 3.30 and 7 p.m. at Bay Street, St Julians.