By the time people reach midlife, many have the wisdom they lacked in their 20s, a clearer sense of where their life is headed and fewer concerns about what others think.But this stage of life also brings a wave of changes that can make it feel as though you're starting all over again. Aside from the dreaded 'midlife crisis', hormonal shifts such as menopause and a slowing metabolism can make it easier to gain weight, particularly around the midriff, leaving many feeling as though their bodies are working against them. Amid these changes, many forget that midlife – officially defined as between the ages of 40 and 65 – can also bring a serious problem: an increased risk of heart disease, an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect the blood-pumping organ and the arteries leading into it.As a result of natural ageing and lifestyle factors – obesity and overweight rates tend to surge at this age in the UK – blood vessels tend to become less flexible, and blood pressure and cholesterol rise, both of which are triggers for heart disease.But according to Dr Oliver Guttmann, a consultant cardiologist at the private HCA Wellington Hospital in London, a number of seemingly harmless everyday habits – from choosing seemingly healthier 'fat-free' foods to the time you go to bed – could also be quietly increasing the risk of heart disease.He told the Daily Mail: 'I don't think most people in their 40s and 50s are thinking about heart disease at all. They're too busy - juggling work, kids, sometimes ageing parents too - and heart health just isn't on the radar until something actually happens. They thought this was a problem for later in life, for when they're older.' We asked Dr Guttmann for his expert opinion on the simple lifestyle changes people in midlife can make to reduce their risk of heart disease, which claims the lives of around 170,000 Britons every year. Dr Oliver Guttmann says a number of seemingly harmless everyday habits could be quietly increasing the risk of heart diseaseWhen you eat may matterMany people in midlife have reached senior positions at work, with longer hours and packed schedules often pushing dinner later into the evening. But according to Dr Guttmann, eating too close to bedtime could be problematic.He said: 'Eating close to bedtime forces the body to manage a large metabolic load - digestion, insulin response - right when it should be winding down. 'This is linked to poorer nutrient metabolism, disrupted sleep, and over time, higher risk of weight gain and metabolic syndrome, both of which feed into heart disease risk.'Research has consistently linked late-night eating with a greater risk of obesity, which raises the risk of serious complications including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Over time, excess weight can damage the arteries, allowing fatty deposits to build up.If these block the arteries supplying the heart, they can trigger a heart attack. If they affect blood vessels supplying the brain, they can also increase the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. A study in 2022 by Harvard Medical School found that overweight or obese adults who ate the same meals around four hours later in the day felt hungrier and burned fewer calories, suggesting meal timing may play a role in weight gain and, ultimately, heart health.'Fat-free' options may not be betterWalking through supermarket aisles, it can be tempting – particularly for those looking to shed weight – to reach for foods labelled 'fat free'.From yoghurts and cheeses to popular condiments, there is no shortage of products marketed as the healthier choice. Dr Guttmann, however, advises looking beyond the front of the packet, warning that removing fat often means products may contain additives that may also be harmful to health.He said: 'When fat is stripped out, manufacturers often add sugar, salt, or thickeners to compensate for lost taste and texture. 'So a 'fat-free' label can mask a product that's actually worse for cardiovascular health than the full-fat version, particularly where refined sugar is the substitute.'Many fat-free products contain these added sugars and extra salt, which can increase the risk of heart disease and weight gain.Some also contain thickeners and stabilisers, such as xanthan gum, to improve texture. While these are generally considered safe by food regulators, some people report digestive side effects such as inflammation, bloating or diarrhoea when consuming large amounts.