A HEALTH campaign in Bradford will target some of the city's high risk groups in an attempt to reduce the number who suffer heart attacks and strokes.

The Bradford Healthy Hearts campaign is now going into a new phase which could see major improvements for some patients.

Campaign organisers have already held education events for those working at GP practices, including practice nurses and community specialist nurses to give them the information they need to identify the patients who will get most benefit from the programme.

Heart disease is Bradford's major cause of death and the campaign's focus is on improving care for both those who have suffered an attack or is at risk of developing the cardiovascular disease which puts people at risk.

The campaign will involve all of the city's 41 GP practices, with new training being offered to clinicians which can help reduce the risk of stroke for those with a heart rhythm disorder, technically called atrial fibrillation.

People at risk of having a catastrophic stroke as a result of their AF will be invited by doctors to have a treatment review.

Figures show more than 40 per cent of people with an irregular heartbeat could benefit from this latest drive to improve their treatment.

The overall campaign is scheduled to last three years and in the latest phase, GPs will screen patient records to find those diagnosed with AF and invite those who are not already being prescribed specialist drugs in for a treatment review.

This follows on from work done to ensure patients who had been prescribed statins to lower cholesterol were getting the best care available to reduce the risk of further stroke and heart attack.

The campaign has already received tremendous support from practices and a series of education events are planned for the coming months to make sure as many front-line staff as possible are aware of how ‘at risk’ patients can be helped by this new approach.

Dr Youssef Beaini, clinical lead for cardiovascular disease at NHS Bradford Districts CCG, said: "The success of Bradford’s Healthy Hearts depends on practice staff being up to speed on the programme so they can make sure that every patient with heart disease benefits from a more detailed assessment and having their treatment adjusted, if appropriate.

"Our front-line practice staff are the ambassadors for change and play a crucial role. By following Bradford’s Healthy Hearts guidance and attending regular education events, staff are helping to reduce patients’ risk of stroke and heart attack – and ultimately save lives."

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