A NEW website to tackle one of Ryedale’s biggest “killers” has been launched.

Health chiefs say the website, Healthy Hearts, has been designed to help reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

More than 220,000 people in the Humber, Coast and Vale area, which covers Ryedale, are affected by high blood pressure, while about three in 10 people (more than 72,000) have undiagnosed high blood pressure. More than 32,000 people in the area have an irregular heartbeatand almost 30,000 people have experienced a stroke or mini-stroke.

Dr Greg Black, NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG Governing Body member and lead for cardiovascular disease, said: “Heart disease and stroke are two of the biggest ‘killers’ in Scarborough and Ryedale. Often linked to smoking and obesity, it’s imperative these issues are tackled.

“The new Healthy Hearts website will be important resource for GPs and other healthcare professionals, while giving people the tools and confidence to make those all-important lifestyle changes.”

The website has information about how people can reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including advice about healthy eating and exercise. It also features interactive tools, with users able to determine their high blood pressure risk. It forms part of collaborative efforts by healthcare organisations to reduce the number of people suffering from cardiovascular disease.

Alex Seale, senior responsible officer for planned care at the Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership, said: “Heart disease remains a significant challenge for health organisations but one we are determined to overcome by working with healthcare professionals and members of the public alike to enhance cardiovascular disease education and improve cardiovascular disease detection.

Visit humbercoastandvale healthyhearts.co.uk