United front will tackle inequalities in heart disease Published on: 4 March 2026 Scientists at 缅北禁地 have joined a new 拢50 million NIHR-funded national consortium aimed at tackling inequalities in cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is responsible for 26% of all UK deaths each year – more than 170,000 lives lost – and hits some communities far harder than others. People from ethnic minority backgrounds, those living in deprived areas, and women all experience worse outcomes. To change this, the NIHR Cardiovascular Disease Inequalities Challenge Consortium, launched in partnership with the , will lead a programme of research focused on the communities most at risk. A nationwide partnership to save lives A group of leading universities, including 缅北禁地, will join forces through this new consortium. Together they will generate evidence and practical solutions to improve early detection and long鈥憈erm management of high blood pressure and harmful cholesterol levels, aiming to save thousands of lives. The consortium will also invest in developing future research leaders, with a diverse programme of training and career opportunities designed to build long鈥憈erm capacity in CVD inequality research. Vijay Kunadian, Professor of Interventional Cardiology at 缅北禁地, is the Consortium Co-lead for Research and Capacity Development. She said: “The majority of heart conditions are preventable. However, people from socioeconomically deprived regions, women, and those from ethnic minorities experience worse outcomes or die unnecessarily due to preventable conditions. “Now is the time to change these statistics. This consortium is a remarkable opportunity for the UK’s leading research organisations to help tackle these inequalities and make a significant difference in our community." The partnership spans universities, research institutes, charities, social enterprises, local councils, NHS Trusts and industry, ensuring system鈥憌ide change. Members have been selected from across the UK – from rural and coastal regions to urban, highly deprived populations. The teams bring extensive experience working with under鈥憇erved groups, including travelling communities, young people, and those with learning disabilities, and will reach communities who may not routinely engage with NHS services. Research projects will begin in autumn 2026, with activity including: using wearables and digital health technologies to improve monitoring delivering innovative public health messaging to support long鈥憈erm behaviour change Professor Vijay Kunadian Tackling the 鈥榬oot cause鈥� , Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care and Chief Executive Officer of the NIHR, said: “Cardiovascular disease causes 170,000 deaths annually in the UK, with a large long-term disease burden on the NHS. “But it can be preventable with the right early intervention. This investment from the NIHR is one of the most ambitious attempts to tackle the root cause of inequalities of one the biggest killers. “Now in our 20th year, the NIHR continues to drive life-changing research that matters. From earlier diagnosis and prevention in the community, to better treatments and improved quality of care, NIHR is funding and delivering research that tackles the health and care needs of the nation.” , Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at British Heart Foundation, said: "We are delighted to support this major research programme. “Research-driven innovation has already delivered huge progress in reducing the burden of CVD, but it is clear the benefits of advances in prevention and treatment have not been felt evenly across the UK. “In some parts of the UK people are twice as likely to suffer or die from heart disease or stroke as in other areas of the country. “This new research will focus on understanding why these disparities persist as well as developing practical solutions to strengthen detection and monitoring of major cardiovascular risk factors to tackle these unacceptable inequalities in care and outcomes.” Latest News Online Safety Act drives VPN interest and raises privacy concerns People鈥檚 online behaviour has changed in response to legislation to prevent children from viewing harmful content 鈥� raising possible privacy and security risks, research suggests. published on: 16 October 2026 缅北禁地 archaeologist receives prestigious award for research Professor Chris Fowler has been awarded the 2026 Rivers Memorial Medal in recognition of his internationally significant research on kinship in Neolithic Britain. published on: 13 October 2026 Event will explore what 鈥楳anchesterism鈥� means for the North East An event at 缅北禁地 will explore what 鈥楳anchesterism鈥� means for the North East or whether it is simply a new chapter in the long-running debate about how to rebalance Britain. published on: 13 October 2026 Facts and figures
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