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25 June 2010

Call for government intervention to reduce levels of heart disease

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has put forward plans for action by the government, the food and drink industry and charities to try to reduce the number of people developing heart disease and stroke.

As the UK's independent provider of guidance on health, NICE highlights that cardiovascular disease - which includes coronary heart disease and stroke - is a major health concern in the UK. It says that steps must be taken not only by individuals, but also by organisations to prevent more people developing these conditions.

NICE calls for the food and drink industry to do more to reduce levels of salt and harmful fats in food. It also recommends clearer food labelling, an improvement in the nutritional value of food served in places such as schools and hospitals, and for people to be encouraged to walk and cycle more rather than use less active methods of transport. NICE also suggests imposing a limit on the number of takeaway outlets in certain areas - for example, within walking distance of schools - and for the introduction of further advertising restrictions on foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt.

It's important to remember that anyone can take simple steps to lower their risk of developing these conditions without the need for regulation. Eating a healthy, balanced diet… and taking regular exercise can go a long way towards preventing cardiovascular disease.

Dr Peter Mace, Assistant Medical Director, Bupa

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both the UK and worldwide - over one in three people die from it in the UK every year. Many of these deaths could be prevented by making lifestyle changes such as taking more exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Although there are many programmes aimed at helping people to do these things, NICE believes that action is needed more widely to address the increasing problem and cost of heart disease.

NICE recognises that substantial progress has been made in certain areas, but says changes aren't happening quickly enough. In particular, the recommendations suggest that food producers and caterers need to do more to reduce salt and saturated fat in foods.

Dr Peter Mace, Assistant Medical Director at Bupa, said: "Heart disease and stroke are major causes of premature death and illness in the UK. It's important to remember that anyone can take simple steps to lower their risk of developing these conditions without the need for regulation. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables and is low in fat, sugar and salt, and taking regular exercise can go a long way towards preventing cardiovascular disease. These steps are particularly important if you're a heavy smoker or if you have a family history of heart disease.

"Here at Bupa we offer a supplementary Coronary Health check, which offers a scan to detect the early signs of coronary heart disease. It's suitable for anyone between 40 and 69 years old and can be added to one of our core health assessments or done as a stand-alone assessment."

Key facts
  • The most common types of cardiovascular disease are coronary heart disease and stroke.
  • These conditions develop as a result of fatty deposits building up on the walls of your arteries, causing blood flow to be reduced.
  • In 2007, nearly 159,000 people died from cardiovascular disease.
  • You're at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease if you smoke, don't exercise and eat a diet that is high in salt and fat.

How Bupa can help

Related information

Read the recommendations

NICE public health guidance 25
Prevention of cardiovascular disease at population level
June 2010
http://guidance.nice.org.uk/PH25

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