Causing around 160,000 deaths every year in the UK, cardiovascular disease is the UK’s biggest single killer, and Alex Cunningham has lent his backing to Heart UK’s campaign to ensure that combating the problem remains a key government priority.
Labour’s Stockton North MP has supported the Heart UK campaign at the same time that the cholesterol charity has released a new manifesto setting out recommendations to address the issues around treatment and management of cardiovascular disease.
Despite progress in some areas of management of cardiovascular disease during the past 20 years there continue to be around 175,000 heart attacks in the UK each year, meaning that it is more important than ever that the issue remains high on the UK health agenda.
Heart UK’s manifesto is therefore urging a commitment to implement a cardiovascular disease Outcome Strategy and support better management at a local level, as well as for more robust data collection while supporting access to quality data.
Alex said:
“I was delighted to be present for the launch of Heart UK’s manifesto and am pleased to give my wholehearted support to the campaign. It is clear that cardiovascular disease remains a big problem in the UK, and I hope this campaign will help to highlight the need for people to understand their cholesterol levels to take any necessary action.
“It is important that government does all it can to ensure that high risk patients are identified, managed and cared for in the best possible way. Cholesterol testing is a simple, quick and painless way to monitor a key risk factor and I would urge all adults across the Stockton borough to get themselves tested.
“I am committed to working with the NHS, both locally and in Parliament, to ensure that heart disease services are well coordinated and remain a public health priority nationally and in Stockton North.”
Heart UK Chief Executive, Jules Payne, said: “I would like to thank Alex for pledging to support Heart UK’s ambition of implementing our manifesto recommendations. With cardiovascular disease remaining the UK’s single biggest killer and cholesterol being a major contributor, we are urging the future government not be complacent with the current programmes and to dedicate funding and support to future management, treatment and reporting of heart disease.”
