Bradford's Asian community is among the most at risk from heart disease, say experts behind a publication aimed at tackling the deadly condition.

People of South Asian origin are 50 per cent more likely to suffer from heart disease than the general population, according to the British Heart Foundation.

The national heart charity has launched a new magazine, Heart & Soul, on a trial basis specifically aimed at encouraging the lifestyle of Asian people.

Katherine Bletcher, the magazine's editor, said: "It's particularly relevant to the people of Bradford because of the large South Asian population living in the city.

"People of South Asian origin are 50 per cent more likely to suffer from heart disease and the magazine gives great tips on how people can change their everyday lives to reduce this risk.

"Everyone in Bradford probably knows someone who would benefit from reading it."

The magazine is free and contains health advice, tips on fitting physical activity into every day life and low-fat recipes for traditional South Asian cuisine.

Bary Malik, president of the city's Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, said it was time members of the Asian community took their health more seriously.

"Heart disease is becoming a national symbol for Pakistani and South Asian communities. It's a slow suicide. People take it too lightly," he said.

"People in the Asian community do go to the doctors but often too late and people are suffering from heart problems at an earlier age. There is a saying in Urdu: "If you have got your health you have got everything"."

He pointed to a number of factors which contribute to the problem.

"One of the reasons is poverty and deprivation; people can't afford a decent lifestyle. Also, in parts of the inner city, takeaways are opening on every corner selling very, very cheap food.

"We use cheap oils to cook at home and there is the concept that food tastes less without salt. There's a new lifestyle where we have a very, very heavy meal and then have a smoke, go to sleep or watch the television. I think with the Asian community this has got to dangerous levels."

A spokesman for Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT said: "Over the past ten years the number of people under 75 years old who have died from coronary heart disease (CHD) has fallen significantly in the Bradford district.

"However, people from South Asian communities remain at higher risk of vascular disease - including cardiovascular disease and diabetes - and we consistently see higher numbers of referrals from those communities to our specialist heart failure nursing team.

"We are working hard to further reduce the number of people with CHD from all communities through a combination of early diagnosis and treatment, appropriate specialist referral, rehabilitation after a heart attack, and community-based health projects which focus on prevention by encouraging healthy eating, increasing physical activity and reducing smoking."

The new magazine's first edition will feature dancer Amina Khayyam, and to order the magazine, call the BHF publications line on 0870 600 6566 and give the code G398.