The heart of the matter

BHF Specialist Cardiovascular nurses, Sarah McStay, Christine Reade and Ngaire Smith, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust

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In Rochdale 74% more women under 75 die early from coronary heart disease than the national average, and 41% more men.

Heart disease is a top priority for NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale and as part of February’s National Heart Month, health chiefs are urging people to focus on healthy hearts.

Each year, more than 300 people from Rochdale Borough die from Coronary Heart Disease. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is working with the NHS to tackle heart disease in the area. And as part of the Hearty Lives programme funding, three specialist cardiovascular nurses are working community-wide to find and treat those at risk of a heart attack.

The trio of BHF Specialist Cardiovascular nurses, Sarah McStay, Christine Reade and Ngaire Smith, from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, have helped more than 2500 patients in the past two years. From monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels, to smoking cessation sessions, introducing diet and exercise classes and providing constant support, the nurses are determined to boost the Borough’s heart health.

Sarah McStay said: ”The key to keeping a healthy heart is to lead an active lifestyle by not smoking, having a healthy weight, low blood pressure and cholesterol. We know it can be difficult to live healthy lives, but we are here to provide support, advice and encouragement.”

The nurses work as part of the BHF’s Hearty Lives programme which is committed to improving the heart health and lifestyles of people so they live longer, healthier lives. And as part of National Heart Month the Hearty Lives team and BHF are organising a free, circus-themed Red Day Festival at Rochdale Town Hall on 21 February aimed at promoting healthy living – and having fun!

Bernadine O’Sullivan, Consultant in Public Health from NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (NHS HMR) said: “We’re committed to improving the health of those in Rochdale Borough. Being overweight or obese, smoking, having high blood pressure or cholesterol means you’re more at risk of having a heart attack. Those with diabetes, have a family history of heart disease or are of South Asian origin (Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi) are also more at risk. Making a change to your lifestyle now, could mean a healthier heart and a longer life.”

If you are worried about your heart health, speak to your GP who can advise on the services in your area. For more information about Hearty Lives visit www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/how-we-can-help/in-your-area/hearty-lives.aspx