Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Health officials warn about heart disease emergency in England

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has released a report revealing a total of 96,540 additional deaths related to cardiovascular conditions since the beginning of the Covid pandemic

Health officials warn about heart disease emergency in England

Health officials have issued a warning about a heart disease emergency in England, calling for prioritisation of NHS heart care due to the occurrence of nearly 100,000 excess deaths since March 2020.

Disturbing figures from official government data indicate that more than 500 individuals are losing their lives unnecessarily each week due to heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes, The Guardian reported.


The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has released a report revealing a total of 96,540 additional deaths related to cardiovascular conditions since the beginning of the Covid pandemic.

Despite a surge in excess cardiovascular deaths attributed to Covid-19 infections during the first year of the pandemic, the number of deaths caused by cardiovascular disease has remained significantly higher than expected, even as Covid-19 deaths have declined.

The BHF suggests that factors beyond Covid-19, such as substantial and ongoing disruptions to NHS heart services, are likely driving this continued increase in excess deaths.

Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, a consultant cardiologist and associate medical director at the BHF, emphasised that while Covid-19 played a role, it no longer solely accounts for the significant number of excess deaths involving cardiovascular disease.

Dr Babu-Narayan highlighted the extreme strain on the NHS in recent years and the lengthy waiting times for heart care as contributing factors, putting individuals at a higher risk of avoidable hospitalisation, heart failure-related disability, and premature death.

Despite a record number of people being affected by cardiovascular disease, many face challenges in accessing essential heart treatments due to a shortage of NHS staff and limited capacity.

The BHF is urging action on three fronts: prioritising NHS heart care, renewing the focus on preventing cardiovascular disease, and intensifying research efforts to discover new treatments and cures.

Dr Babu-Narayan stressed the need for a specific and long-term commitment from the government to expedite improvements in cardiovascular care both now and in the future.

Additionally, Dr Charmaine Griffiths, the CEO of the charity, expressed deep concern over the increasing number of fatalities related to cardiovascular disease and declared that England is currently experiencing an emergency in heart and stroke care.

She emphasised the urgency of government intervention to provide hope for a better and healthier future for heart patients.

Professor John Greenwood, the president of the British Cardiovascular Society, acknowledged the high numbers of excess deaths, which although concerning, were expected.

He emphasised the urgent need for prioritising prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, along with an increase in staff to address the backlog of patients awaiting treatment.

Moreover, he emphasised the necessity of a strong public health strategy by the government to encourage healthy behaviours and proactively prevent the occurrence of heart disease.

More For You

11th UK Gatka Championship

All winners received medals and trophies

UK Parliament

11th UK Gatka Championship ends with Welsh debut and £1,000 support for Gatka Akharas

Highlights:

  • The 11th UK National Gatka Championship was hosted near Cardiff, marking the first time in Wales.
  • Winners included Roop Kaur (girls), Navjot Singh (boys), and Gurdeep Singh (men’s).
  • Gatka Federation UK awarded £1,000 to each participating Akhara to support martial arts promotion.
  • Chief guests included MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation.

Gatka Championship marks Welsh debut

The 11th UK National Gatka Championship concluded on a high note near Cardiff, Wales, showcasing the traditional Sikh martial art with flair. Seven leading Gatka Akharas participated, thrilling spectators with their lightning-fast strikes, precision moves and elegant techniques.

Inauguration by global leaders

The tournament was inaugurated by Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation (WGF) and the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI). He was joined by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP, President of Gatka Federation UK, alongside other dignitaries including Jagbir Singh Jagga Chakar, President of Wales Kabaddi Club, and community leaders from the Haveli Hotel Pontyclun.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vantara

The site, located in Gujarat, houses hundreds of elephants, as well as 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards, and 900 crocodiles. (Photo: Instagram/Vantara)

India court probe clears Ambani family’s animal centre

AN INDIAN Supreme Court-ordered investigation has cleared a large private animal facility run by the son of Asia’s richest man, rejecting allegations of wildlife violations.

Vantara, described as the “world’s biggest wild animal rescue centre,” is operated by Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer

Starmer, who has faced negative coverage since taking office in July 2024, defended the appointment process.

Reuters

Starmer: I would not have appointed Mandelson if aware of Epstein ties

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer said on Monday he would not have appointed Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington had he known the extent of his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This was Starmer’s first public statement since dismissing Mandelson last week. The prime minister is facing questions over his judgement, including from Labour MPs, after initially standing by Mandelson before removing him from the post.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump

Trump said the suspect had been arrested earlier for 'terrible crimes,' including child sex abuse, grand theft auto and false imprisonment, but was released under the Biden administration because Cuba refused to take him back.

Getty Images

Trump says accused in Dallas motel beheading will face first-degree murder charge

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has described Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, the Indian-origin motel manager killed in Dallas, as a “well-respected person” and said the accused will face a first-degree murder charge.

Nagamallaiah, 50, was killed last week at the Downtown Suites motel by co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a 37-year-old undocumented Cuban immigrant with a criminal history.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer Mandelson

Starmer talks with Mandelson during a welcome reception at the ambassador's residence on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Getty

Starmer under pressure from party MPs after Mandelson dismissal

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer is facing questions within the Labour party after the sacking of US ambassador Peter Mandelson.

Mandelson was removed last week after Bloomberg published emails showing messages of support he sent following Jeffrey Epstein’s conviction for sex offences. The dismissal comes just ahead of US president Donald Trump’s state visit.

Keep ReadingShow less