12/12/2007

Research needed to untangle the relationship between our genes, biology and environment, states nation’s heart charity

In response to a study in the Scottish Medical Journal titled ‘Variations in all Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality by Country of Birth in Scotland, 1997-2003’ Dr Mike Knapton, Director of Prevention and Care at the British Heart Foundation, said:

“This study shows that people who moved to Scotland were at higher risk of death from heart disease, particularly those from a South Asian background.

“This observation underlines the need to better untangle the relationship between our genes, our biology and our environment.

“Research to provide answers to these questions will help us to tackle the preventable health inequalities of geography and ethnicity.”

ENDS

For more information please call the BHF press office on 020 7487 7172 or 07764 290381 (out of office hours) or email newsdesk@bhf.org.uk

- The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is leading the battle against heart and circulatory disease - the UK's biggest killer. The Charity is a major funder and authority in cardiovascular research. It plays an important role in funding education, both of the public and of health professionals, and in providing life-saving cardiac equipment and support for rehabilitation and patient care.

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