A new website has been launched to help improve heart health among people living in East Riding of Yorkshire.
The Healthy Hearts website is designed to help people reduce their risk of stroke and heart attack, and help to lower the number of people dying prematurely from cardiovascular disease – a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels.
The website has been created to help people living in Humber, Coast and Vale – a region including Hull and East Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire, Vale of York and Scarborough and Ryedale.
More than 220,000 people in this region are affected by high blood pressure, while around three in 10 people (more than 72,000) have undiagnosed high blood pressure, which if untreated increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks or stroke. More than 32,000 people living in the area have an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) and almost 30,000 people have experienced a stroke or mini-stroke.
The Humber, Coast and Vale Healthy Hearts website contains a wealth of information about how people can reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including the latest trusted advice about healthy eating and exercise. It also features interactive tools, with users able to use the website to determine their high blood pressure risk.
The website forms part of joint efforts by healthcare organisations in the Humber, Coast and Vale area to reduce the number of people suffering from cardiovascular disease. They are committed to improving the health of people who have cardiovascular disease or are at risk of developing it, as it remains one of the most significant health challenges in the area.
More than a quarter (26%) of all deaths in England in 2017 were caused by cardiovascular diseases, with coronary heart disease and stroke accounting for the majority of those deaths. Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK, but the good news is it can often be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Anne Jeffreys, Local GP and East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Clinical Chairperson said: “Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the top causes of premature deaths in the UK therefore, the need for prevention is critical. Education and awareness are at the forefront of this battle and the new Healthy Hearts website is a fantastic source of information and advice for people. Being aware of the risks of heart disease and making simple lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet, stopping smoking and incorporating exercise into your lifestyle can improve your heart health and provide the necessary steps to living a healthier, fuller life.”
Alex Seale, Senior Responsible Officer for Planned Care at the Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership, said: “The Humber, Coast and Vale Healthy Hearts website will become a key asset to healthcare professionals and patients to help reduce instances of cardiovascular disease in our communities.
“Heart disease remains a significant challenge for health organisations within the Humber, Coast and Vale area but one we are determined to overcome by working with healthcare professionals and members of the public alike to enhance cardiovascular disease education and improve cardiovascular disease detection.
“Heart health should be everybody’s concern so visit www.humbercoastandvalehealthyhearts.co.uk for information on how you can improve your heart health and take steps to protect against cardiovascular disease.”
For more information, visit www.humbercoastandvalehealthyhearts.co.uk
