Study will look for heart and lung disease links in patients (Wales)

"A pioneering research study will investigate the link between chronic lung conditions and life-threatening heart disease. The first research study of its kind aims to recruit and follow 500 people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from across Wales. The researchers hope to emulate the long-running Caerphilly study, which has followed about 3,000 men in South Wales for more than 30 years and increased the world's understanding about the lifestyle factors associated with heart disease. It is hoped the new research study - called Arcade - will establish whether there is a link between COPD and cardiovascular disease and it could lead to new, targeted therapies, which treat the lung disease and reduce the risk of heart problems"

Rhodri Morgan affirms commitment to cardiac care (Wales)

"The First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, has reaffirmed the Welsh Assembly Government's commitment to reduce incidence of cardiac disease in Wales. Speaking at the 11th Cardiology Study Day at the University of Glamorgan, Mr Morgan outlined measures to improve people's lifestyle and diet to reduce heart disease and care and support for people who develop the potentially life-threatening condition. The event was organised by Cwm Taf Health Board to share views on the achievements and development of cardiology services across Wales"

Heart unit to cut waiting times (Wales)

"A new GBP1.2m heart unit has been opened at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, Wales. The 31-bed cardiac care unit is designed to cut waiting times for patients with heart problems. After seeing a consultant, patients will be reviewed on the same day instead of having to make an appointment at a clinic. The unit, which treats patients with heart and respiratory problems, has put key services under one roof. The unit is also designed to speed up the diagnosis of patients. Health Minister Edwina Hart, who opened the unit, said it helped support assembly government strategies to improve cardiac services in Wales. "The new facilities at the Princess of Wales Hospital are a great step forward in achieving this improvement," she said. "It builds on an already well-established cardiac care centre providing further improved services to patients." The hospital has already undergone improvements to cardiac care, with length of stays on the cardiology ward reduced" - BBC

Heart attack man 'saved 12 times' (Wales)

A man whose heart was re-started 12 times has been reunited with the Welsh Ambulance Service staff who saved him. Three ambulance staff fought for an hour to save 35-year-old builder Ian Burston after he suffered a massive heart attack at his girlfriend's home. The father of two from Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, thanked them in person after they visited him during his recovery. Paramedic Gareth Williams said: "You do get people back but 12 times is pretty incredible." The incident happened at about 0800 BST on 15 April, when Mr Burston collapsed after feeling unwell on his way to work. Ambulance crew Adrian Cook and Steve Jones were on scene within a minute, closely followed by Mr Williams in a Rapid Response Vehicle. - BBC

Cholesterol family tests planned

"A screening programme is expected to be rolled out across Wales to identify people at risk of early heart attacks. Familial hypercholesterolaemia - or FH - is a genetic condition which causes high levels of cholesterol, leading to heart attacks in young adults. It is estimated around 5,000 people in Wales unknowingly have the condition. The assembly government is working towards developing a testing programme for people who find out a member of their family has FH" - BBC