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Steve Rotheram, MP for Liverpool, Walton, is backing an important new report aimed at reducing the devastating impact of cardiovascular diseases in his constituency.

The Labour MP met heart, stroke and diabetes patients at a summer reception hosted by the British Heart Foundation in Westminster on Monday 9 July, 2012. The reception was organised to mark the publication of a new report examining the priorities for the Government’s new strategy for tackling cardiovascular diseases across the UK, including Liverpool.

Latest figures show 9,009 men and 3,291 women aged under 75 died from coronary heart disease in the North West between 2006 and 2008¹. Figures also show 6.5 per cent of men and 4.3 per cent of women in the North West have been diagnosed with diabetes ², while 135,270 are registered as having had a stroke³.

Steve Rotheram MP said: “Despite some excellent progress over the last few years, cardiovascular diseases remain the UK’s biggest killer and touch the lives of many of my constituents.

“It’s clear to me that with rising obesity levels and people living longer we need a new strategy - and this new report goes a long way to helping the Government achieve that.

“The devastating impact of cardiovascular disease in Liverpool and Walton won’t lessen without an increased emphasis on prevention and earlier diagnosis, and better long term care and support for people living with the disease.” 

The report was put together by All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes and Stroke. The groups’ work was informed by the Cardio Vascular Coalition, a group of 40 voluntary organisations including the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, Stroke Association and Kidney Alliance.

It’s hoped the findings and recommendations in the report will inform the Government’s major new Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Strategy, due in the winter.

Download the report at bhf.org.uk/tacklingCVD and join the conversation on Twitter using #tacklingCVD.