AN MP is raising awareness of heart disease in light of new figures for Weaver Vale.

Graham Evans, Weaver Vale MP, is working with the British Heart Foundation to highlight the help on offer for people who want to look after their hearts.

Figures reveal that 12,700 people are living with cardiovascular disease in Weaver Vale, 4,166 people have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, 17,221 people have high blood pressure and 5,677 people have diabetes.

Graham said: “Heart disease devastates lives, as I know from personal experience of losing my father at a young age.

“These figures show what an impact heart conditions have on individuals and their families here in Weaver Vale.

“It is important that people living with these conditions know the support that is available to them.

“The British Heart Foundation has a free service called Heart Matters to support those with cardiovascular disease and help people reduce their risk and lead a healthier life.”

Cardiovascular disease causes 161,000 deaths in the UK every year and includes heart attacks, angina, heart failure, congenital heart disease and stroke.

Coronary heart disease is the UK’s biggest killer and is caused by a build-up of fatty material in the coronary arteries which can cause blood clots and lead to heart attacks.

High blood pressure greatly increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke and people with diabetes are more likely to develop coronary heart disease.

The British Heart Foundation is urging people to sign up to Heart Matters, a free service to help people reduce their risk of heart disease and live a healthy lifestyle.

Members receive a free magazine and access to healthy recipes.

Find out more at  bhf.org.uk/heartmatters