Public Health England data shows that in West Yorkshire, more than 600,000 people are affected by high blood pressure, one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Partnership’s Clinical Forum identified the opportunity to introduce the Healthy Hearts project, an initiative that aims to reduce this number and make significant improvements in health outcomes.
Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network (AHSN), one of 15 AHSNs set up by NHS England to operate as the key innovation arm of the NHS, was commissioned to deliver the project across the region. Healthy Hearts aims to reduce the number of local people affected by CVD by 10%, resulting in an estimated reduction of 800 heart attacks and 350 strokes, and saving around £12million by identifying people at risk of developing CVD.
The project has seen almost 19,000 additional patients identified as having high blood pressure and almost 15,000 additional patients are now receiving treatment to control it. More than 10,000 patients have switched from a low intensity statin to a high intensity statin to better control their cholesterol and 1,300 patients with a high risk of CVD have been offered a statin.
Working closely with primary care has been vital to the success of Healthy Hearts and the project team has engaged directly with more than 1,000 healthcare professionals to share resources, spread learning, and share good practice in the diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure.
Ultimately, the Healthy Hearts project is all about improving people’s health and saving lives. The positive difference it’s making demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together to benefit all people living across West Yorkshire.