Heart and circulatory disease (also called cardiovascular disease or CVD) causes 1 in 4 deaths in the UK. It is the main cause of early death in poorer areas. It is the biggest area where the NHS can save lives in the next 10 years.
CVD can often be prevented. Stopping smoking, eating healthier food, moving more, drinking less alcohol, and keeping to a healthy weight all help lower the risk. Treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation (AF) early also helps people live longer, healthier lives.
Many people do not know they have these problems. Other countries have found and treated more people, but we can do the same. New technology and better teamwork across services will help us make progress.
These pages give clear information and resources for patients and professionals. They include advice from local doctors and nurses in West Yorkshire and links to trusted national groups such as the British Heart Foundation.
In West Yorkshire, there are many people who are living with these high-risk conditions. Earlier detection and treatment will reduce the likelihood of a stroke, or a heart attack. Additionally, people living in the most deprived areas within our county are up to three times more likely to die from CVD. We need to do better to bridge this gap and improve the health of our poorest citizens, working in partnership with our communities.