May 13, 2019 11.21 am This story is over 58 months old

Lincoln worst in the region for early heart disease deaths

Around 80 people lose their lives in the city as a result of strokes or heart attacks
Inside the Lincolnshire Heart Centre. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincoln has the highest rate of early heart disease deaths in the East Midlands, a study into an alarming rise in diagnosis’ has revealed.

The rate has risen for the first time in 50 years.

Every year, around 80 people lose their lives in the city, which is far higher than the national average of 74 premature deaths per 100,000.

A new report from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) warns that many problems go undiagnosed, leading to avoidable deaths in younger people.

More than 3,100 people die from strokes and heart attacks every year in the East Midlands, before they reach their 75th birthday.

Which means that eight families lose a loved one in the region every day.

Peter Burr died suddenly from a heart attack two years ago. His son Gary sets up charity football matches every year in his memory.

The charity has linked the rising number of heart problems to the high proportion of obese adults and those living with diabetes.

BHF has also warned that there could be as many as 470,000 people living with undiagnosed high blood pressure in the East Midlands.

Simon Gillespie, from BHF, said: “We’re seeing more people die each year from heart and circulatory diseases in the UK before they reach their 75th birthday. We are deeply concerned.

“Heart and circulatory diseases remain a leading cause of death in the UK, with millions at risk because of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

“Only through the continued commitment of our researchers, the public’s generous support, and determination from governments can we imagine a world where fewer people live with the fear of heart and circulatory disease.”