EXPERTS today warn that more than 8,440 people in Bradford could be living with a serious vascular condition that can lead to leg amputation or a fatal heart attack.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) said 90 per cent of those at risk were smokers or former smokers. It is urging people to give up the habit on No Smoking Day - March 9 - and lower their chances of getting peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
There are 4,219 registered PAD patients in the Bradford however, a leading surgeon estimates the number could be twice as high. Approximately half of all sufferers show no symptoms until they suffer a heart attack or stroke.
BHF Associate Medical Director Dr Mike Knapton said: "Peripheral arterial disease can lead to horrific consequences and the silent nature of the condition means that opportunities to diagnose and treat it are often missed.
"We do know that stopping smoking is the single most effective way of reducing your risk of developing this potentially deadly disease and with No Smoking Day on March 9, now is a great time for smokers in the Bradford to prepare to start their quitting journey."
Visit nosmokingday.org.uk for more information.
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