Heart Attacks Kill Six People In NI Every Week

Heart attacks kill six people in Northern Ireland every week, according to research by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

314 people aged under 65 died from heart failure last year.

In 2013/14, there were 5,400 heart attacks treated in Northern Ireland hospitals. This figure has risen from 4,600 the year before.

The charity has launched a new campaign for urgent medical research into the causes of cardiac disease.

Jayne Murray, Head of BHF NI, said: "Every week heart attacks devastate local families, by killing loved ones and leaving many others with debilitating heart conditions that make the rest of their life a daily struggle.

"The only way we can find new ways to prevent and treat heart attacks is by funding more research. Every penny British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland has spent on research that is today saving lives has been donated by our generous supporters. We now need the continued backing of our supporters if we're to make the advances that could save even more local lives from heart disease."