{"id":61834,"date":"2018-03-30T12:26:44","date_gmt":"2018-03-30T12:26:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/?p=61834"},"modified":"2018-03-30T12:26:44","modified_gmt":"2018-03-30T12:26:44","slug":"eight-week-test-target-biggest-killer-heart-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/health\/eight-week-test-target-biggest-killer-heart-disease.html","title":{"rendered":"Eight week test target for ‘biggest killer’ heart disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

Eight week test target for ‘biggest killer’ heart disease<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Patients could be diagnosed and treated for heart disease sooner as more tests now need to be carried out within an eight week waiting time target.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cardiovascular (heart and circulatory) disease is the biggest killer in Wales, with more than 9,000 deaths each year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Currently, only those waiting for stress tests and an echocardiogram have to be seen within eight weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

But a review found those needing other tests such as blood pressure monitoring need to be seen and treated sooner.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are about 375,000 people living with the condition in Wales – 4% of the population – according to the Welsh Government’s Annual Statement of Progress on Heart Disease report.<\/span><\/p>\n

From 1 April, eight more tests for patients with suspected heart disease will be added to the waiting time target.<\/span><\/p>\n

Heart disease is caused when the coronary arteries become narrow because of a gradual build up of fatty materials.<\/span><\/p>\n

This can mean not enough oxygen-rich blood gets through and can lead to a heart attack.<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost 200,000 women in Wales live with heart disease<\/span><\/p>\n

Premature coronary heart disease deaths ‘cut by 70%’<\/span><\/p>\n

The new tests were “shadow reported” between April 2017 and December 2017 and during that period, numbers waiting more than eight weeks reduced from 33% to 17%.<\/span><\/p>\n

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said the move means “potentially very ill patients” will be diagnosed and treated sooner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr Jonathan Goodfellow, president of the Welsh Cardiovascular Society, said: “People suffering with symptoms of heart disease need access to quick and effective diagnosis and treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Providing appropriate imaging and diagnostics, in local settings, allows patients to receive the minimum investigation necessary to get an accurate diagnosis.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Source:-http:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/uk-wales-43585958<\/span><\/p>\n

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