Heart disease, stroke and cancer

Heart disease, stroke and cancer affect many people in Leeds every year, causing ill health, disability and premature deaths.

However, you can reduce your risk of developing these conditions. If you want to help yourself avoid heart disease, stroke and cancer, small changes in your lifestyle can make a big difference.

This section of our web site provides information on heart disease, stroke and cancer. It tells you the warning signs to look out for, and what to do if you think you are having a heart attack. It also offers practical tips for a healthy lifestyle that can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.

How is Leeds tackling this issue?
How can I help myself avoid heart disease, stroke and cancer?
What if I have already had a heart attack, stroke or cancer?
Warning signs of a heart attack
Warning signs of cancer
Warning signs of a stroke
Contacts and useful links

How is Leeds tackling this issue?  Back to top

Cardiovascular disease heart disease, stroke and related conditions accounts for two thirds of all premature deaths in England as well as major ill health in terms of physical and communication disability. The overwhelming majority of this is preventable through healthier lifestyles and preventative medication such as statins for high cholesterol and drugs to control high blood pressure. The Government also wants a new cancer strategy that is about shifting care from inpatients to outpatients and from hospital to community and maximising opportunities for prevention and early diagnosis.

In Leeds we are developing the Healthy Schools approach and undertaking work on lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity. A big part of this work is enabling people to look after themselves.

How can I help myself avoid heart disease, stroke and cancer?  Back to top

Small changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference. See below for our 7 top tips.

Stop smoking. This is the most important thing you can do. It is tough but your pharmacist, Leeds Smoking Services and your doctor are there to help you. See our Smoking page for further details, advice and support on giving up. Want to stop smoking? Free phone 0800 169 4219

Drink sensibly. Too much alcohol increases blood pressure. Binge drinking (more than 6 units in 6 hours) really puts blood pressure up. See our Alcohol page for further details, advice and support on sensible drinking.

Eat sensibly. Eat plenty of fibre (wholegrain cereals, brown rice and pasta, wholewheat bread). Eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Reduce your salt intake, and limit the amount of fat you eat. Choose low fat proteins like fish, poultry, game or vegetarian alternatives, and consider cooking with vegetable, seed and nut oils instead of animal fats. Remember that processed food, ready meals and takeaways often contain a lot of fat and salt. See our Obesity page for further details, advice and support on healthy eating and weight loss.

Be physically active. It doesnt take much exercise to be healthy just a total of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. You can break this down into sessions of at least 10 minutes. Even if you have a condition or illness, physical activity will help, but check with your GP or pharmacist that it is OK. The more physically active you are, the more your wellbeing will improve. See our Obesity page for further details, advice and support on being more physically active.

Be sun smart. Skin cancer is increasing, particularly in fair skinned people. Avoid repeated exposure to sun over long periods, or brief exposure that causes sunburn. In summer sun, find shade or cover up with a hat and T-shirt between 11am and 3pm. Use at least factor 15 sunscreen on exposed skin your pharmacist can advise you.

Go for cancer screening, if you are invited. It is designed to catch cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective. Currently it includes breast cancer screening and cervical screening (smear tests). Bowel cancer screening is about to be introduced.

Know your blood pressure. Make sure your blood pressure is measured and you know what it is. Blood pressure tends to increase with age so it should be checked at least once a year. Your practice nurse or pharmacist can help.

What if I have already had a heart attack, stroke or cancer?  Back to top

Small changes in your lifestyle can still make a difference, but you must stop smoking.

You may be on a range of medications to prevent a further episode or keep you well. It is important that you take these medications regularly.

You can discuss your medical treatment with your pharmacist, to ensure you are getting the maximum benefit. Why not make an appointment at your local pharmacy for a confidential Medicine Use Review?

Warning signs of a heart attack  Back to top

Persistent crushing or squeezing pain in the centre of your chest. This often wraps around the body like a tight band (like being gripped by a wrestler). It may spread to the arms, throat, jaw, back or abdomen, and does not go away with rest.

Together with:

Shortness of breath

Feeling sick

Feeling weak or dizzy

Sweating may develop

Skin may become ashen pale with blueness of the lips

Pulse is usually fast, and may become weak and irregular

If your doctor has already told you that you have heart disease and the pain doesnt go away after 15 minutes, dial 999 and dont worry. In these circumstances your GP, the ambulance crew and the hospital consultant want you to call 999 straight away.

Warning signs of cancer  Back to top

A new or unusual lump anywhere on your body

A sore that will not heal anywhere on your body or mouth

A change in size, shape or colour of a mole

Blood in urine or bowel motions

A cough, croaky voice or difficulty swallowing that lasts more than 4 weeks

A change in bowel habit lasting longer than 6 weeks

Difficulty passing urine

Unexplained weight loss

Bleeding from the vagina after the menopause or between periods

Unexpected pain lasting longer than 4 weeks

If you notice any of the above symptoms, seek advice from your doctor.

Warning signs of a stroke  Back to top

Sometimes people have warnings of an impending stroke a mini stroke or TIA. These can include:

Any weakness of one side of the body

Drooping or weakness of the face

Communication difficulties

Loss of sight or blurred vision lasting less than 24 hours

If you notice any of the above symptoms, seek advice from your doctor.

The main warning sign of a future stroke is that you have had one previously. If so, you will be on medication to prevent this from happening. If you are concerned about the medication, your pharmacist can help.

Contacts and useful links  Back to top

Bodyline Gyms (Leeds City Council): 0113 214 5088

Leeds Smoking Services: 0800 169 4219

Cancer Research UK

British Heart Foundation

National Heart Forum

NHS Cancer Screening Programme

Smarten Up Leeds

The Stroke Association