Thanks to the effort of HEART UK, ambassadors and supporters thousands of toddlers will be screened for an inherited gene that can cause early heart disease as part of a new national pilot programme.
Over the next two years, 30,000 children across England will be assessed using a heel prick blood test to identify if they have a ‘faulty gene’ which causes familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH).
Loch Duart is a small independent farm who have been gently nurturing their Scottish salmon in the crystal-clear waters off the northwest coast of Scotland for over 20 years. Their aim is to produce the best quality salmon with the lowest impact on the environment.
By entering the partnership with HEART UK, Loch Duart aims to raise awareness of the benefits of eating their salmon as part of a balanced diet which can help contribute to the normal function of the heart.
* Loch Duart salmon is high in omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA). EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.
We are extremely proud of what we have achieved during the pandemic to support so many more people needing our help, despite losing a third of our income.
We are working hard to ensure that people with high cholesterol are detected as early as possible and receive the support they need to prevent premature death and improve health and wellbeing.
Starting this evening, millions of Muslims around the world will observe the month of Ramadan. This is a time when many will fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from food and drink. It is also a time of self-reflection, so indeed this could be an opportunity to take a closer look at your eating habits and make your meals at Suhoor and Iftar interesting, varied and healthier.
By Azmina Govindji RD, Registered Dietitian and Consultant Nutritionist, Azmina Nutrition
Some people have understandably told us that they are reluctant to get a genetic test for FH or to get their children tested because of how it may affect their employment, particularly in the armed services.
This was something we had to tackle and I brought this up with the Strategic Command Headquarters Defence Medical Services.
Eating vegan is tipping into the main stream in the UK with the numbers increasing four times between 2016 and 2019, and there are now believed to be 600,000 vegans. A recent Veganuary campaign survey found the top reason for trying a vegan diet is health (38%) followed by animal welfare and the environment (37% and 18% respectively).
"FH is a global health problem but sadly there is a severe lack of awareness, identification and optimal treatment across the world and the UK is no different."
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH for short) is an inherited condition which can lead to extremely high cholesterol levels. It is passed down through families in the genes. Without treatment, FH can lead to heart disease at a very young age. But once it's been diagnosed, it can be treated with medication and a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Pete Green has been a GP in Medway, North Kent, for over 30 years, Clinical Lead for Medway Clinical Commissioning Group and instrumental with HEART UK to identify patients at risk of FH, and then confirm a clinical diagnosis from the information already held in the GP patients records.
