News

October 2014

Keep your heart healthy! That’s the message from Bradford clinicians who are launching a major campaign to improve heart health.

Bradford’s Healthy Hearts campaign is aimed at reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack in people who are in risk groups.

It is the brainchild of NHS Bradford Districts Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and will be developed over three years targeting three main areas:

• Vascular disease – including patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and peripheral arterial disease
• Atrial fibrillation (AF) – a condition which triggers abnormalities in the rhythm of the heart
• Heart failure

As part of the first phase of the campaign’s development – improving the care of patients with vascular disease - letters are being prepared to send out to patients with heart conditions who are currently being prescribed statins. They will be informed that their usual medication will be changed to Atorvastatin, a more effective statin which reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack

NHS Bradford Districts CCG lead for long-term conditions, Dr Chris Harris, said: “Because heart disease is the major cause of death in Bradford, the CCG is focusing on improving care for those who have, or who are at risk of developing, cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a key priority.   This campaign brings together all 41 of our local GP practices and the wider NHS with one aim:  to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.”

Dr Youssef Beaini, Clinical Lead Cardiovascular Disease for NHS Bradford Districts CCG said: “We are dedicated to improving the care of patients with heart disease in the CCG’s area and our aim is to raise awareness of heart health. As a result, patients can expect a more detailed assessment by their GPs and their treatment could well be adjusted.

“Our key messages are aimed at helping people to live healthier and longer lives, and this can be achieved through knowing your blood pressure, knowing your blood sugar and lowering your cholesterol, as well understanding the powerful benefits of stopping smoking, healthy diets and physical exercise.”

The campaign will see GPs working closely with local pharmacies and hospitals as well as with Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Public Health.

The first phase of the campaign will target patients who have already been diagnosed with heart conditions, and the second phase will raise awareness of heart health generally among the local population.