Programme vision
We will work to improve cardiovascular health in Leeds and reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in targeted groups of people. This will be done through early identification of risk factors, proactive support in healthy living and effective treatment of hypertension, with a particular focus on reducing health inequalities.
How will this help people in Leeds
While genetics and family history play a role in the likelihood of cardiovascular disease (CVD), we know that a lot of the risk factors are very preventable. In Leeds CVD is more common among groups facing health inequalities – people living in deprived areas and people from global majority backgrounds have higher rates than the national average.
We know that reducing high blood pressure is a good way to prevent CVD and that people don’t always know they have high blood pressure. We will be working across Leeds to identify more people who have high blood pressure, with the aim of treating it effectively. We will also be working to promote healthier lifestyles that reduce the risk of high blood pressure in the first place.
This prevention approach is in line with the NHS 10 year plan which highlights a shift from a focus on sickness to prevention: we’ll reach patients earlier and make the healthy choice the easy choice.