Heart disease Heart disease is the leading cause of death in most western countries. Angina (chest pain) and heart attacks are the most common outcomes of heart disease. It is more common in older people, in men, and in people with a family history of heart disease. However, steps to reduce your risk of heart disease should be taken seriously whatever your age, gender or the health of your relatives. There are many things that can be done to reduce the risk of developing common types of heart disease. These include diet and other lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking. Some medical treatments are available for specific types of heart disease even before symptoms occur, and early diagnosis is therefore important.

More information about these issues is outlined below: London IDEAS and heart conditions For further Information about heart conditions Reduce your risk of heart disease Genetics and heart disease

London IDEAS and heart conditions

London IDEAS is carrying out research into two types of heart condition, familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). To find out more about our work with these conditions, follow these links: FH and HCM.

In both projectswe are developing new genetic tests for the NHS to improve diagnosis. Treatments that aim to prevent heart attacks exist for both of these conditions, so early diagnosis is important. Both projects are also working with patients to make an early diagnosis of any relatives who may also have the condition.

London IDEAS is also working with patient organisations to produce new information for patients and their families. Our partners in this include HEART UK and the Cardiomyopathy Association.

For further information about heart conditions

There are several good websites and publications for information about heart conditions, diagnosis and treatment.

Following these links will take you to background information:

HEART UK home page	British Heart Foundation background information	CRY background information	NHSDirect Online background information

 Reduce your risk of heart disease

Following these links will take you to information about reducing your risk of heart disease:

HEART UK reduce your risk (pdf 180kb)	British Heart Foundation reduce your risk

Genetics and heart conditions

The genetics of heart conditions is beginning to be understood. Further information about FH and HCM genetics is included in this website, and can be found by clicking on the links.

CRY also supplies information about genetics and specific types of heart disease on its website:

CRY