Liverpool marks World Heart Day by lighting up red to highlight the threat from cardiovascular disease

One in five people in the Liverpool City Region die from cardiovascular disease (diseases of the heart and circulation) every year. It is also a leading cause of disability in the region.

Tuesday, 29^th September is World Heart Day, an event to highlight these stark figures and raise awareness of how people can help themselves to be more heart healthy. Read on to see some top tips on how you can stay healthy.

This year the Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science is asking people in the region to: “Listen to your heart”. They are organising a number of activities to help people do just that, including curating a stress relieving Spotify playlist, running online exercise classes, and lighting up civic landmarks red. 

The LCCS is also asking people to make a pledge about how they plan to mark the day and improve their heart health. That could be anything from taking more exercise, to giving up smoking, eating a healthier diet, or exercising more.

Picture – Culture Liverpool

Professor Gregory Lip, Director of the Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, said:

“The LCCS is a research collaboration between the University of Liverpool, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool John Moores University, and Liverpool Health Partners. 

“We work together to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke among people in Liverpool, across the UK and globally.

“Our mission is ‘Supporting our citizens to live healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke’. After the events of 2020 there has never been a better time to improve your heart health and to listen to your heart.”

To listen to the special Spotify playlist head this way and to sign up for the online Tai Chi session go to the website here.

Cardiovascular Disease Facts

• In 2016, there were 4,500 deaths in Liverpool, 1000 of which were attributable to smoking.
• Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability within the Liverpool City Region.
• Healthy life expectancy for men in Liverpool is 57.4 years, and 57.7 years for women, compared to 63.4 years (for men) and 64.1 years (for women) in the rest of the UK
• It is estimated that up to 20,000 deaths in the UK each year from heart and circulatory diseases can be attributed to smoking

• Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing heart disease
• Around one in four adults in the UK exceed national guidelines for weekly alcohol intake; no level of use is without risk.
• Drinking too much alcohol can cause abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, damage to the heart muscle and other diseases such as stroke, liver problems and some cancers
• Having high blood pressure increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Around 6-8 million people are living with undiagnosed or uncontrolled high blood pressure

Tips to keep your heart healthy

• Small changes can make big differences: Increase your exercise by getting of the bus one stop early; take the stairs instead of the lift or escalator; replace a coffee break with a brisk 10-minute walk with a friend
• Find a sport/activity you enjoy: that can be walking, running, dancing, gardening, swimming, football
• Start your new activity today
• Know your blood pressure – get it checked
• Know your pulse – if it is irregular, go and see your GP