How Healthy is Your Heart? [6th December 2007]

[6th December 2007]

This report was written by Henry Wells (intern to Lord Taylor) about a recent reception held in the House of Commons about Cardiovascular Disease.

'The reception was held in the Terrace Pavilion on a cold, damp day at the House of Commons. The event started at 12.30 p.m. in the tented pavilion on the terrace overlooking the Thames.

There were approximately 80 people at the event, organised primarily by H.E.A.R.T. UK, but also by other charities concerned with heart disease. The aim of the reception was ultimately to help reduce the level of cardiovascular disease in the UK. H.E.A.R.T. UK has pinpointed the need for GP’s to be given clearer incentives and guidelines in treating heart disease as the most effective way of reducing the disease. The reception was therefore specifically highlighting this need of GP’s, whilst providing an opportunity to network and raising general awareness of cardiovascular disease in the UK.

There were a selection of canapйs and drinks served whilst guests were busy networking and socialising. A wide range of organisations were represented at the event, with people coming from many different fields of expertise. The average age must have been about 45, with several grey haired Lords, a handful of MP’s and a large number of young professionals working in areas related to health.

The first couple Edwin and I spoke with were probably in their thirties, working for ‘Hanover Communications’. This firm is involved in promoting their clients in high profile areas, such as Parliament and the media. H.E.A.R.T. UK is one of their clients.

The second was an older man who has been through a heart by-pass and has recently been recruited by H.E.A.R.T. UK to represent and promote their cause, especially through the re-telling of his story. His story simply highlighted how taking simple preventative measures such as jogging and healthy eating can prevent cardiovascular disease.

We also spoke with Lord Lewis of Newnham who was very nice, easy to talk to and interested in us.

Just before a speech was given we spoke briefly with a man who has just started work with the Food Standards Agency. This government agency monitors food standards in the UK and seeks to educate consumers in the UK about food standards and the need for a balanced diet, whilst maintaining high standards from producers.

A speech was then given by a GP, who was introduced by Adrian Sanders MP. The GP gave two examples from his work where he had helped reduce the risk of heart disease in two patients through taking the initiative – they had not come to him to ask about there heart but he had picked up on it nonetheless. He pointed out that there were no incentives or guidelines for him to do so. He said that it was down to GP’s to take responsibility for watching out for high risk patients, and that it is a matter of ethics. However, he also called for there to be more incentives for GP’s to take the initiative in approaching those who look to be at risk – and guidelines regarding how to do so.

On the way out Edwin and I were stopped by a nice lady called Mary Jane Bancroft. We told her a little about the Warwick Leadership Foundation, Lord Taylor’s vision to inspire young leaders, and what we are doing in the internship. She said that she had a son who is 21 and in need of some inspiration – he has good people skills but is not so academic and a little daunted by being in a family of relatively high achievers. We told her to go to Lord Taylor’s website and perhaps enquire about the internship. She was representing the Primary Care Cardiovascular Society.

All in all it was an interesting hour and a half. I learnt about the importance and successes of taking preventative measures against heart disease, gained a little insight into the issues and ethical questions facing GP’s, met a number of interesting people and enjoyed some nice canapйs.'