The Liverpool city region has some of the highest rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) within the UK.

World Heart Day, which is celebrated every year on 29^th September, seeks to raise awareness of how people can help themselves to be more heart healthy.

The Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science (LCCS) is once again this year raising awareness of heart health and encouraging people to do what they can do to try to be more heart healthy.

We invited local people to join us to create a giant heart in the park, which saw people dress in red and form a heart in Liverpool’s Sefton Park.

On World Heart Day we will once again be lighting up civic landmarks and local businesses red – and blue – to mark this important occasion.

Buildings including St George’s Hall, Liverpool Town Hall, Merseyside Police Headquarters, the M&S Arena, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, the Cunard Building and many more will light up red tomorrow to raise awareness.

Everton’s Goodison Park stadium will be lit up in the club’s colours as a show of support.

Dr Deirdre Lane, Community Engagement and Involvement Lead at LCCS, said: “The burden of cardiovascular disease in Liverpool is very high, with people in the city living shorter lives than the national average and spending a greater proportion of their lives living with disability and poor health.

“We are encouraging people to set themselves realistic and achievable goals in improving their heart health.

“We would encourage people to start today – to give up smoking, reduce their alcohol intake, eat more fruit and vegetables, eat less salt and sugar, and increase the amount of exercise they do. We know it isn’t always easy but making a few changes like this can make a big difference to your health and protect your heart.”

Main image courtesy of Colin Lane, Liverpool Echo.