Londonderry near top of heart disease death list

The worrying news comes as recent figures reveal the overall number of deaths from coronary heart disease in Northern Ireland have dropped significantly.

However, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to take steps to protect their heart as coronary heart disease is still the number one killer in the Province.

Just over 2,300 people died from the disease last year compared to 2,410 in 2008 despite an increase in population – an overall reduction of 110 province-wide.

The latest figures show the positive downward trend is continuing into 2009 – in 2007 there were 2,493 deaths and 2,554 in 2006, while in 1979 there were nearly 5,000 deaths.

Cookstown has the highest number of incidences compared to the rest of Northern Ireland, according to figures for the standardised death rate 2004-2008, with 130 deaths.

Dungannon and Armagh are next with 112 deaths, followed by Londonderry and Craigavon on 111 each for the 2004-2008 period.

Coinciding with World Heart Day on Sunday, September 26, the PHA is calling for people to follow a number of simple steps in a bid to reduce their chances of developing the disease.

Smoking is a major risk factor and the more cigarettes you smoke the higher the risk, according to Dr Adrian Mairs, Consultant in Public Health with responsibility for cardiovascular disease in the Public Health Agency.

“The reduction in smoking over the past number of years through public education, smoking cessation programmes and smoke free legislation, has had a major impact on deaths from heart disease. However, 26% of the adult population still smoke, crucially putting them at risk of developing the disease.

“People who suffer from high blood pressure also run an increased risk of developing stroke, coronary heart disease or heart failure. High blood pressure is a treatable condition and in order to minimise the risk everyone over the age of 45 is encouraged to have their blood pressure measured every five years by making use of preventative services such as cholesterol and blood pressure checks provided by your local GP.”

Simple lifestyle changes will also reduce the risk factor, including eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day, avoiding saturated fat, limiting alcohol intake and taking at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.

The PHA last week launched physical activity campaign It All Adds Up! in a bid to encourage local children to become more active and ensure they take part in the recommended daily 60 minutes of activity, seven days a week.

Dr Mairs described the reduction in deaths from coronary heart disease as “a big success story”.

“It shows that people can take very positive steps to reduce their risk of heart disease by adopting a healthier lifestyle and in particular by not smoking,” he said, adding: “The message is clear this World Heart Day - you only have one heart and your heart health is your responsibility.”