Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Asian health warning as heart disease deaths rise

by LAUREN CODLING

BRITISH ASIANS should “take responsibility for their health”, a medical expert has urged, as it was revealed that deaths related to heart disease are on the rise in the UK.


The British Heart Foundation (BHF) unveiled data on Monday (13) showing an increase in the numbers of people dying from heart conditions since 2014.

According to the charity, 42,384 people died from conditions such as heart attacks and strokes in the UK before the age of 75 in 2017, compared to 41,042 in 2014.

It also revealed that there had been a four per cent increase in fatalities related to heart and circulatory diseases in people under 65, compared with a 19 per cent decline in the previous five years.

In light of the latest figures, Philippa Hobson, a senior cardiac nurse with BHF, said British Asians should monitor their health. Studies have shown that those of a south Asian origin are at an increased risk of developing a coronary heart disease, which could lead to a heart attack.

“In my clinical background, I saw a lot of British Asian patients,” Hobson told Eastern Eye on Tuesday (14). “People of an Asian origin are at higher risk of heart and circulatory diseases, high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.

“The most recent numbers are high, and we want people to be able to take responsibility for their health.”

During the last five years, there has also been an 18 per cent increase in people being diagnosed with diabetes.

Charity Diabetes UK has estimated that the development of type 2 diabetes is up to six times more likely among south Asians.

Hobson, who has worked as a cardiac nurse for more than 30 years, advised British Asians to see their GP if they have concerns. High blood pressure and diabetes are often symptomless, she explained, so it was vital that people get checked out. She recommended booking an NHS Health Check, a free service that aims to spot early signs of illness. It is said to help prevent diabetes, heart disease and strokes.

“If an individual is found to be at risk of developing (these illnesses), they can get started on medication and have lifestyle and risk factor advice, which if adhered to, can dramatically reduce their risk of having a heart attack or stroke,” she said.

Although many who have history of heart problems in their family tend to get themselves checked, Hobson revealed that many young people did not believe they would be affected, so did not get check-ups.

However, if people addressed their risk factor at a young age, they could reduce their chances of developing health problems in the future, she added.

“We now know heart problems are creeping up on young people, but they tend to think they are less likely to have these problems,” she said.

Simon Gillespie, the chief executive of BHF, said the charity was “deeply concerned” by the latest statistics. In order to tackle the problem, BHF would like to see the UK increase heart attack survival to 90 per cent by 2030.

“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,” he said. “We need to work in partnership with governments, the NHS and the medical research community to increase research investment and accelerate innovative approaches to diagnose and support the millions of people at risk of a heart attack or stroke,” Gillespie added.

More For You

Amazon Prime Day deals

This year’s event extended to a full 96 hours running

iStock

15 best Amazon Prime Day deals to grab before Friday

Key points

 
     
  • Prime Day 2025 runs from 8–11 July in the UK
  •  
  • Top discounts on tech, beauty, home and essentials
  •  
  • Must-have offers include deals on Dyson, Nespresso, Oral-B, and more
  •  
  • Exclusive to Amazon Prime members (free trial available)

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is well underway, with this year’s event extended to a full 96 hours running from Tuesday 8 July to Friday 11 July. With thousands of products on offer across nearly every category, shoppers in the UK can enjoy steep discounts on everyday essentials, big-ticket tech, and top-rated beauty favourites.

We’ve sifted through the extensive listings to highlight 15 of the best value-for-money deals currently live, with savings of up to 60%. All prices are correct at the time of writing and exclusive to Prime members.

Keep ReadingShow less
5 secret beaches

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

iStock

5 secret beaches in the UK that feel like the tropics

Key points

  • Discover hidden UK beaches with turquoise waters and golden sands
  • Ideal for summer staycations without the cost of long-haul travel
  • Includes lesser-known spots in Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, and more
  • Perfect for quiet escapes, coastal walks, and Instagram-worthy views

Escape to paradise – no passport required

Think you need to fly halfway across the world for clear blue water and white sand? Think again. The UK is home to a surprising number of secluded beaches that look straight out of the Caribbean – without the crowds or jet lag. From hidden coves in Cornwall to windswept bays in the Scottish Highlands, here are some of the most tropical-looking beaches on British soil.

1. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Often dubbed the UK’s answer to the Caribbean, this National Trust-owned gem boasts golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. Accessed by a half-mile walk from Stackpole Quay, it remains blissfully untouched by development.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches

The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches

iStock

Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches after 20 years

Key points

  • Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
  • The chain made the announcement via social media
  • Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
  • Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments

All branches are permanently closed

Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.

Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.

Keep ReadingShow less
New Covid strain

Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain

iStock

New Covid strain Stratus spreads in UK with unusual hoarse voice symptom

Key points

  • A new Covid strain known as Stratus is spreading across the UK
  • The variant is marked by a distinctive symptom: a hoarse or raspy voice
  • Sub-variants XFG and XFG.3 now account for 30% of cases in England
  • Experts say there is no evidence of more severe disease
  • Lower immunity levels may make more people vulnerable to infection

Covid variant Stratus on the rise in the UK

A new strain of Covid-19, known as Stratus, is spreading across the UK and drawing attention for its unusual symptom — a hoarse or raspy voice. According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Stratus and its two sub-variants, XFG and XFG.3, are responsible for around 30 per cent of Covid cases in England.

Of the two, XFG.3 is currently the more dominant. The UKHSA confirmed that monitoring of all circulating Covid-19 variants is ongoing as part of regular surveillance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Human brain continues forming neurons

Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the brain

iStock

Human brain continues forming neurons well into old age, study finds

Key points

  • New neurons continue forming in the brain’s hippocampus into old age
  • Study confirms presence of neural progenitor cells in adults
  • DNA carbon dating and single-nucleus RNA sequencing were used
  • Research shows variation in neuron production between individuals
  • Findings could aid treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders

Human brain shows ongoing neuron formation into older age

A new study has confirmed that the human brain continues to produce new nerve cells well into late adulthood, challenging previous assumptions about age-related decline in neurogenesis. The findings, published in the journal Science, provide fresh insight into how adaptable the brain remains over a lifetime.

Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the brain, is known to occur in the hippocampus — a region involved in memory. While previous research has suggested that this process continues throughout life, there has been limited concrete evidence of the presence of neural progenitor cells in the adult brain.

Keep ReadingShow less