All articles tagged with #british heart foundation
Diana Warren, 55, from Essex, collapsed during a leisurely bike ride and was found to have an atrial septal defect—a hole in her heart—that had gone undiagnosed for over five decades. After unsuccessful keyhole attempts, she underwent open-heart surgery in April 2024 with a pacemaker. Now recovered, she plans to cycle 54 miles from London to Brighton to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
New research shows that exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly improve recovery in patients with Takotsubo syndrome, a stress-induced heart condition, highlighting the importance of the brain-heart connection in treatment.
High cholesterol affects many in the UK, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. While statins are commonly prescribed, lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments, are recommended first. The British Heart Foundation suggests four foods as natural alternatives to statins: plant sterols and stanols, oats, garlic, and oily fish. These foods can help lower cholesterol or triglyceride levels, though evidence on their effectiveness in reducing heart attack or stroke risk is mixed. Consultation with a GP is advised for those concerned about cholesterol levels.
The British Heart Foundation's analysis revealed that premature deaths from heart and circulatory diseases in England have reached a ten-year high, with over 39,000 people under 75 dying in 2022. This increase, attributed to the pandemic's impact and a lack of government action, marks a reversal in a decades-long trend of improvement. The charity emphasized the urgent need for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as addressing risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. The government highlighted its efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease, including plans for a "smoke free generation" and investment in digital NHS Health Checks.