This week I showed my support for heart patients and their families by joining the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and other cardiovascular organisations to hear how they are helping to save and improve the lives of the millions of people affected by cardiovascular disease in the UK.
At an All Party Parliamentary Group event in Westminster, I met with members of the Cardio and Vascular Coalition, as well as families who talked about their difficulties of living with cardiovascular conditions including coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and congenital heart disease. Together, with the Cardio and Vascular Coalition, the British Heart Foundation is urging the Government and the NHS to do more to tackle the disease on all fronts and put heart disease high on the agenda.
All 40-74 year-olds are entitled to a NHS check-up every five years, which analyses the risk of cardio-vascular disease based on lifestyle, family history, and other factors, to ensure that people are aware of the risks and, if necessary, can take steps to reduce the likelihood of cardio-vascular disease occurring. This prevents 1,600 heart attacks and strokes per year.
Heart disease is a devastating condition that affects thousands of people across Mid Worcestershire. Research has helped to revolutionise our understanding of heart and circulatory conditions. If we are to continue making great strides in preventing, diagnosing and treating heart disease, the Government needs to play its part to ensure that every person living with heart disease gets the care and support that they need
I welcome the fact that the Government has published a strategy, which sets out how rates of survival can be improved. In addition, NHS England's National Clinical Director for Heart Disease has established an expert group to co-ordinate delivery of the strategy and ensure that patients have access to the best possible treatment.