The UK has made huge strides in improving cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes over the past six decades, but this progress is now in reverse. For the first time in over 50 years, deaths from CVD are rising, and waiting lists for time-sensitive heart care have grown by over 80 per cent since 2020 in England.

In Chesterfield, 15,000 people are living with CVD and 290 people die each year from this disease, according to BHF research.

Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield, met with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, following representations from constituents, to discuss how to tackle the UK’s worrying reversal in cardiovascular health.

The Government has recognised that CVD is one of the UK’s biggest killers and has committed to the development of a Modern Service Framework for Cardiovascular Disease as part of the 10 Year Health Plan for England, in a move welcomed by the British Heart Foundation.

If designed and delivered effectively, this plan could help the Government meet its laudable ambition of reducing premature deaths from heart attacks and strokes by 25 per cent within the next 10 years.

During Labour Party Conference in Liverpool last week, Toby Perkins MP met with BHF to discuss how MPs can support and work alongside them to capitalise on these opportunities, and realise their vision of a world where everybody has a healthier heart for longer. Following that meeting, Toby has submitted a written parliamentary question to press the Government on its plans for the Modern Service Framework to address cardiovascular health.

Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield said: “It is concerning that progress to prevent more early deaths from cardiovascular disease has stalled, and we must do more to prevent more people from developing heart problems in the first place.

“We all need to play our part in helping to tackle these deadly conditions. I welcome the Government’s commitment to a Modern Service Framework for Cardiovascular Disease and to reducing NHS waiting lists. I look forward to working with BHF towards our shared ambition of reducing early deaths from heart attacks and strokes by a quarter within the next decade.”

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at the BHF, said: “The UK’s heart health needs a serious reboot after years of stalling progress to prevent more families the intense pain of losing a loved one too soon to cardiovascular disease.

“Making the most of ideas in the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan, such as more integrated, personalised care, are key to the improvements we need to see.

“We can’t do this alone, so support from all political parties is critical to saving more lives from cardiovascular disease than ever before.”