Group to tackle vascular disease

There were 11,300 deaths from vascular heart disease in 2006

A review into the management of patients with vascular disease has been announced.

Health Minister Edwina Hart said a group of clinicians will recommend a future model to reduce the number of people developing the disease.

This could involve risk assessments such as measurement of high blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels.

Health ministries across the UK have been advised to bring in new programmes with 11,300 deaths a year in Wales.

Vascular disease is mainly caused by a hardening of the arteries due to a thickening of the artery lining from fatty deposits.

Narrow, hardened arteries make it more difficult for blood to flow through and reach body tissues.

It can lead to heart attacks, strokes and gangrene or ulceration of the leg.

Detect evidence

Across the UK, around 150,000 people die from the disease, with many of the population in Wales particularly at risk because of lifestyle factors such as high smoking rates and low levels of exercise.

The review group in Wales will be chaired by Professor Julian Halcox, professor of clinical cardiology at the University Hospital of Wales and a leading expert in the disease.

Ms Hart said: "Vascular disease is one of the biggest killers in Wales.

"The group will engage with stakeholder to recommend a model to improve the preventative measures around the disease.

The group has been asked to report by June 2009.

The UK National Screening Committee has recommended the four UK health departments introduce a vascular risk management programme.

Already in England, people aged between 40-74 years old are offered screening to detect evidence of vascular disease.

In Scotland, a risk assessment management programme is being developed.