Health chiefs have unveiled a far-reaching strategy to help cut the alarming number of heart deaths in Bradford.

And it is hoped the multi-pronged offensive, which centres upon inner-city areas, men and ethnic groups, will be funded by £400,000 of Government cash.

Statistics shows Bradford suffers well above the national average of coronary mortality rates. In 1998, 90 out of every 100,000 people in the district died from heart disease compared to the English national figure of 79.

Although the figure has fallen from 145 in 1988, Bradford Health Authority is determined to cut it further.

A central aspect of its new bid is to improve housing which may contribute to the increased number of coronary-related deaths during winter months.

The move follows research suggesting that poor home conditions, coupled with colder weather, can lead to heart deaths among the vulnerable.

Health workers will work alongside Bradford Council and home energy efficiency schemes to improve heating or insulation where needed.

Richard Longbottom, senior planning manager at Bradford Health Authority, said it was one of five schemes bidding for a total of £385,000 under the Government's Health Improvement Performance Scheme.

Another initiative is to spread the heart health message among the district's male population.

Mr Longbottom said: "The problem is that men often just won't go to the doctor, even if there is something wrong with them."

As well as training six lay people across the city to help spread the message of preventative measures, it also plans to develop computer software - seen to be male friendly - to support the drive. Lap-top computers would then be introduced to various men's groups, said Mr Longbottom.

The package also highlights a co-ordinated healthy living scheme for Bradford's deprived areas. Trained advisors will work alongside regeneration agencies to help promote a healthy lifestyle in an "interesting and accessible way" in areas traditionally prone to coronary heart disease.

"This may include helping to remove the barriers which may prevent people visiting leisure centres and taking part in physical activity," said Mr Longbottom.

The package also outlines a provision to train a coronary heart disease nurse to diploma standard at every one of the districts 100 GP practices. At present, there are just 30 trained to this level.

The last area would allow GP surgeries to carry out basic investigations into heart disease among their patients.

Mr Longbottom said currently many of these examinations were carried out in hospital - which meant waiting lists developed. By placing specialist equipment in practices and making early diagnosis, this would free up hospital cardiologists' time and improve the service for those who really needed it.

Ministers are considering the bid and are expected to make a decision in the coming fortnight.

Mr Longbottom stressed that even if the application failed, the schemes would go ahead, but over an extended timetable of years rather than months.

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