With the smoggy air and constant hustle and bustle of our capital, London would be the first place we assume would affect our health, not the peaceful North.

Shocking results have shown that Northerner’s are a massive four times more likely to die of a coronary hearth disease than Londoners.

A study has found that the drastic variations in lifestyle and diet between those that live up in the North West of England compared to those of us who inhabit the South, has led to surprising geographical variations in the risk of getting heart disease.

Despite the more gentle way of life up in the North West, the mortality rates are significantly higher compared to the south of the country.

An investigation into the number of deaths caused by coronary heat disease (CHD) in Primary Care Trusts was carried out and examined as part of a new campaign launched by Heart UK and MSD.

A staggering 1,034 members of the public were questions across England, Scotland and Wales about their personal health and that of their close relatives.

The results revealed that the mortality rate for people living up in the North West in Tameside and Glossop were four times as high as those living in London’s wealthier London borough Kensington & Chelsea (140.84 and 36.91 people per 100,000 respectively).
Other areas within the Top Ten highest CHD mortality rates include Northern cities: Manchester Blackburn and Leicester.
While at the bottom end of the scale were Westminster and the East Sussex Downs, showing that they were less likely suffer any heart related illnesses.

The statistics show that in the North West, the average number of deaths due to CHD was a high 93.72 in every 100,000 people.
The overal national average is 77.63, with the statistics in the South of the country sitting at a low 65.59 in comparison.

However, if you are currently living in the North, do not worry. The places we live are not the root causes of developing heat diseases.
Jules Payne – chief executive of Heart UK – assures us that no matter where we reside we have the power to reduce our risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

She said:’Those diagnosed with heart problems should take a proactive approach towards their health – knowing their cholesterol and blood pressure numbers and weight, going for regular check-ups and speaking to their doctor if they have any concerns.

‘For those with a family history of heart disease, small changes to diet and lifestyle for example can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.’

Dr Jessica Allen of UCL, who wrote an important report on health inequalities in England, said: ‘Significant variations in risk of suffering heart disease across England are shocking but sadly not unexpected.’

‘We know that many health conditions relate to social and economic status and these largely explain the variations in life expectancy and health status that we see across England between regions and within smaller areas.

‘It is still the case in England, as in most other countries, that the richer you are the healthier you are likely to be and the longer you will live.’

To tackle this growing problem, Heart UK is launching a ‘hotspots’ campaign in an attempt to raise awareness of health inequalities throughout the UK. Hoping to highlight the importance that patients need to take great care of their health.

It is vital that Heart UK message is heard and that it encourages the public to look out for signs of health warnings.

Cardiovascular disease is the UK’s biggest killer and this campaign is ensuring that inequalities are being addressed.