Cardiovascular Disease

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD*) is a leading cause of death and disability globally, nationally and within our localities in our Many of these deaths are preventable.
• Globally over 17 million deaths each year can be attributed to CVD (which represents over 30% of all global deaths). Over three quarters of CVD deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries.
• Today in the UK, there are around 7 million people are living CVD. CVD causes over 150,000 deaths each year, which is an average of 420 people each day (about 25% of all UK deaths) and is the largest cause of premature mortality in deprived areas.
• Around 80% of people with CVD have at least one other health condition.
• Healthcare costs relating to heart and circulatory diseases are estimated at £9 billion each year. CVD’s cost to the UK economy is estimated to be £19 billion each year.
• Stroke, a preventable disease, is the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK and the single largest cause of complex disability.
• In Liverpool, CVD accounts for a fifth all premature deaths. It remains a significant source of health inequalities and contributes directly to poorer life expectancy in the most deprived areas of where we live.  (Please see attached diagram on causes of mortality across Liverpool).
• Poor health outcomes and life chances result from poverty and reduced quality of life including living conditions.
• CVD burden comes not only from deaths, but also from those living with the disease and for their families and communities.

• Liverpool City Region is home to some of the premier clinical and research experts in these CVD fields.
• To address the regional heart-related health needs the Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science (LCCS) has been formed. This is a brand new high profile strategic research collaboration between Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Health Partners, and the University of Liverpool.
• Professor Gregory Lip is leading the new initiative to develop the LCCS into an internationally renowned research centre, that is relevant to local population needs and beyond. The LCCS is a virtual integrated academic NHS centre for the advancement of cardiovascular and stroke research.
• The challenge the LCCS faces is to develop effect and integrated ‘bed to bedside’ models that integrate personnel, results, resources and facilities from across our partner institutions and beyond.
• Prevention, early detection and treatment of CVD can help patients live longer, healthier lives.
• The potential benefits to society of discoveries and advancement in CVD science are enormous on a local, national and global level.

*CVD includes coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, vascular dementia, chronic kidney disease, cardiac arrhythmia, type 2 diabetes, sudden cardiac death and heart failure.

The Programme Director is Professor Gregory Lip and the Programme Manager is Paul Burdett. For more information about this research programme, please email Paul.Burdett@liverpool.ac.uk.