May 17, 2012

1 in 3 cholesterol patients put their hearts at risk

A survey of heart patients has shown more than a third of people with high cholesterol fail to take their medication for the condition - dramatically increasing their risk of heart problems.

Triple the risk

Having high cholesterol triples your risk of having a heart attack so it’s vital anyone prescribed drugs to lower their levels takes them as directed.

Dr Mike Knapton, our Associate Medical Director and resident GP says: “Millions of people could be putting their lives in danger by not taking their medicines as prescribed.

“Having high cholesterol or high blood pressure are major risk factors for developing heart and circulatory disease, which is still the UK’s biggest killer, yet we found people with these conditions were often oblivious to the link. 

“We want to remind people how vital heart medicines are - even if they feel well and don’t have obvious symptoms. And we want them to know they can talk to us if they’ve got questions about their medications."

'Just like that'

My father had his life snatched away from him but it could have been avoided

The comedian famously and tragically died on stage from a heart attack, and we hope his catchphrase ‘just like that’ will prevent others suffering the same fate.

Vicky Cooper, Tommy’s daughter, says: “My father had his life snatched away from him but it could have been avoided. My advice now is always that you shouldn’t delay. Don’t keep making excuses. If you think something might be wrong, get yourself checked. You’re not being a nuisance.

“If you know you should be taking medication then take it, and prevent your life being snatched away too.” 

Invisible killers

More than 30 million people suffer from high cholesterol in the UK, while 14 million are affected by high blood pressure. These conditions are known as invisible killers because they don’t have symptoms but slowly damage blood vessels in the heart and make it easier for potentially deadly clots to form causing a heart attack or stroke.

It’s estimated that 45% of heart attacks in Western Europe are caused by high cholesterol while 22% are caused by high blood pressure.

As part of the campaign, radio adverts featuring recordings of Tommy Cooper will air on national and local radio stations, while his face and famous catchphrase ‘just like that’ will be used on leaflets in magazines and others dropped through letterboxes.

Anyone struggling with their medication can phone our heart nurses for support and information on 0300 333 1 333.