At a Westminster event, Bolton West and Atherton MP Chris Green has backed a new report making recommendations to improve the treatment and care of heart failure patients.
The report follows an inquiry led by a cross-party Parliamentary group on heart disease, which received evidence from patients, health care professionals, and commissioners to find ways to improve the outcomes and experiences for people with heart failure, their families and carers.
Heart failure is a debilitating, distressing and life-limiting condition, which when untreated, has worse survival rates than some cancers. 708 heart failure patients are living in Bolton West however there are likely to be many more undiagnosed cases. An ageing population and improved survival from heart attacks, mean that the prevalence of those living with heart failure is on the rise.
It is also an increasingly costly problem for the NHS, accounting for 2 per cent of the total NHS budget and one million patient bed days each year.
Ten recommendations were put forward in the report, including the availability of a simple blood test, costing under £28, to all hospitals and GPs in England to speed up diagnosis which could save the health service £3.8 million each year.
Chris said: “Heart failure can have a substantial impact on the quality of life of patients, and their families and carers – both physically and emotionally. However, we know that with the right treatment and care their outcomes and experience can be significantly improved.
“I am keen to see the recommendations in this report implemented as soon as possible to ensure that heart failure patients in Bolton West and Atherton are receiving the best possible care.”
Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: “Heart failure is a devastating condition which leaves sufferers constantly short of breath - unable to continue to do the work and activities they once enjoyed.
“Our research has helped to drastically improve heart attack survival rates, meaning 70% of people now survive. However many are left with irreversibly damaged hearts meaning a life sentence of living with debilitating heart failure.
“We urgently need to fund more research into heart failure to find new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat this cruel condition. But we must also improve quality of life for those currently suffering with this condition and we are keen to work with the Government and NHS to achieve this.”
To find out more about the report and its recommendations visit www.bhf.org.uk/heartfailurereport