The work of north west based cardiovascular health charity, Heart of Mersey in advocating for a population based approach to preventing heart disease and stroke [cardiovascular disease]  is today strongly supported by new guidance from the independent national health advisor, NICE [ National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence].

The guidance, Prevention of cardiovascular disease at population level, published today [Tuesday, 22 June], calls for action by the UK food industry and government to
make it easier for people to make healthy choices and so improve the health of the whole nation.

The guidance which focuses mainly on food production and its influence on the nation's diet, emphasises that by making small changes across the whole population, big improvements in health overall can be achieved.

It specifically recommends further reductions in the large amounts of salt and saturated fat hidden in processed foods. Also the elimination of the use of trans fats, which the World Health Organisation classifies as toxins.  By these reductions, the guidance states, tens of thousands of lives could be saved and millions spared the suffering of living with the effects of heart disease and stroke.

Heart of Mersey chief executive, Robin Ireland who contributed to the development of the guidance, identified the role which local authorities can play in influencing the health of their communities. He said, 'Local authorities should promote policies which are likely to encourage healthier eating, tobacco control and increased physical activity.  They should use planning applications and bye-laws to control fast food outlets. For example they could limit the concentration of those based within walking distance of schools, and within local communities.'
 
Heart of Mersey trustee, Simon Capewell, Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Liverpool, who also contributed to the development of the guidance, said,
 'Around 90% of premature cardiovascular disease is avoidable because it's due to well-known factors that we can change, particularly diet and smoking. The guidance recommends reducing daily salt intake by 3grams to a maximum of 6grams per day for adults by 2015. This action alone would result in 15,000 -20,000 fewer deaths from heart disease and stroke every year.'

In a recommendation specifically aimed at protecting children, the guidance recommends the extension of restrictions on TV advertising of foods high in saturated fats, salt and sugar to 9.00pm. Recognising the role which physical activity plays in the health of the nation, the guidance also highlights the need for increased opportunities for physically active travel, particularly walking and cycling, as part of everyday life.

The NICE guidance will be showcased regionally at an event in September in Liverpool, hosted by Heart of Mersey. Speakers will include NICE public health director, Professor Mike Kelly, Chair of the NICE guidance development group, Professor Klim McPherson and Professor Simon Capewell. Further details are available from Heart of Mersey on 0151 928 7820 or sue.west@heartofmersey.org.uk.
ENDS

22 June 2010

For further information or to request an interview, please call Sue West on 0151 928 7820 / 0785 447 4417.
For further information on the NICE guidance, contact Dr Tonya Gillis at the NICE press office on 0845 7782 003.

Notes to Editors

About the guidance

1.    The NICE guidance, 'Prevention of cardiovascular disease at population level', is available at www.nice.org.uk/PH25.
2.    NICE public health guidance applies to England only.
3.    Background on cardiovascular disease (CVD): Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is generally due to reduced blood flow to the heart, brain or body caused by atheroma (fatty deposits causing hardening of the arteries) or thrombosis (blood clot). Plaques (plates) of fatty atheroma build up in different arteries during adult life. These can eventually cause narrowing of the arteries, or trigger a local thrombosis which completely blocks the blood flow.  CVD is more common after the age of 60.
4.    Trans fats: Industrially-produced trans fatty acids (IPTFAs) are also known as partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.  Because they are produced by partial hydrogenation they are not normally present in naturally in foods and have no known health benefits. The WHO review defines IPTFAs as industrial additives, and recommends that restaurants, food and cooking fat manufacturers avoid their use. Trans fats are believed to act in a similar harmful way in the body to saturated fats.  
5.    Saturated fats: these fats are hard at room temperature, like lard or butter.  Diets that are high in saturated fat raise the level of cholesterol in the blood, increasing the risk of developing heart disease.
6.    Salt: High levels of salt can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn cause stroke and coronary disease. 
7.    The guidance also make recommendations on physically active travel, including creating an environment which promotes physical activity, and addressing factors that discourage this, such as subsidised parking. 

About Heart of Mersey
8.    Heart of Mersey is a cardiovascular health charity which advocates for a population based approach to CVD prevention. It seeks to influence public health policy at local, national and international level to make the healthy choice the easy choice in relation to diet, tobacco control and physical activity. The charity is supported by the NHS and local authorities in Cheshire and Merseyside. 

About NICE
9.    The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health.
10. NICE produces guidance in three areas of health:
·         public health - guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention of ill health for those working in the NHS, local authorities and the wider public and voluntary sector
·         health technologies - guidance on the use of new and existing medicines, treatments and procedures within the NHS
·         clinical practice - guidance on the appropriate treatment and care of people with specific diseases and conditions within the NHS.