9th August 2012
Collaborative Effort to Curb Heart Disease Deaths in Wales
BBC News, Aug 9 2012
A three month consultation is being launched by the Welsh Government Health Minister Lesley Griffiths to help reduce the 4,700 deaths a year from heart disease in Wales. Concluding on 26th of October 2012, the consultation is part of a major overhaul of the NHS in Wales called ‘Together for Health – a cardiac delivery plan’.
This plan aims to address issues such as at lifestyle, medication, faster detection, easier access to GPs and pharmacies, and more effective treatment. The Welsh government says heart disease deaths are falling, but the death rate is still higher than England and it remains one of Wales’ biggest killers.
‘Together for Health’ outlines collaborative strategies by the Welsh Government, the NHS, cardiac charities, hospices and the public to reduce cardiac disease over the next four years. Measures by 2016 will include new health checks for the over-50s and a pledge to redouble efforts on awareness of exercise, diet and smoking issues.
Ms Griffiths said: “There have been significant improvements to cardiac care in Wales in recent years. “While fewer people die prematurely from heart attacks in Wales now, it still remains one of Wales’ biggest killers. We must do more to prevent avoidable cardiac disease, identify those at risk and manage that risk well. Where cardiac disease does occur, we want to focus on prompt diagnosis and the best treatment.”
The death rate from heart disease, although falling, remains higher in Wales than in England, although lower than in the north west and north east of England, areas with similar social-economic issues.
Dr Chris Jones, a cardiologist and medical director of NHS Wales, said coronary heart disease was a largely preventable condition, which increased in risk with age.
“That risk can be reduced by simple lifestyle changes, such as not smoking, drinking alcohol sensibly, exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet to reduce the risk of obesity – a major contributory factor increasing the risk of diabetes and eventually cardiac disease,” he added.
(This article has been modified by MediWales. For the original article, please click here)