Heart disease
Heart and circulatory disease, or cardiovascular disease (CVD), includes all diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
The two main diseases under CVD are coronary heart disease (CHD) and strokes, but CVD also includes heart deformities present at birth, valvular heart disease and a range of other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Coronary heart disease (CHD)
Coronary heart disease (CHD) presents in two main forms: heart attacks and angina.
Angina is a pain in the chest brought on by exercise or emotion. It can be mild or severe and generally lasts less than 10 minutes. Angina is caused by a narrowing of the blood vessels to the heart muscle.
A heart attack usually causes similar pain but lasts longer and can be fatal. A heart attack results when one of those vessels is entirely blocked by a blood clot.
What you can do to prevent heart disease
Look after your physical health
Diet and exercise are crucial to maintaining a healthy heart and circulation system. If you need help getting more active Move More Jersey have a range of classes for you to. Take part in your own home on zoom, or at community venues across the island.
Quit smoking
The World Heart Federation state that stopping smoking can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by half within one year. If you need help quitting, the Help2Quit service offers free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) along with support and advice.
Look after your mental health
Your mental health can affect your heart health and your heart health can also affect your mental health. If you're having difficulty Our mental health pages will help find out about the mental health services available to you. The Mental Health Network also provides information, advice and support for people in Jersey on all aspects of mental health.
Other local support
The Jersey branch of British Heart Foundation provide support and lifestyle change opportunities. You can contact them via their Facebook page.
The Jersey Heart Support Group is a local charity. They offer exercise classes, social activities and provide information. Email Jersey Heart Support Group or call Phil on +44(0)7797718642 to find out more.
Causes of heart disease and strokes
Risk factors for heart disease and strokes include:
- raised blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels
- smoking
- not eating enough fruit and vegetables
- being overweight or obese
- not doing enough physical activity
Find out more about heart disease and strokes on the
World Heart Federation website.
Cardiac services in Jersey
The hospital has a team of professionals who:
- provide the cardiology service
- look after acutely unwell patients with heart attacks, heart failure and heart rhythm disturbances
- plan the care and treatment of patients with chronic illness
- provide implantable pacemaker and defibrillator services
We have close links with the world-leading heart centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford for more specialist procedures. The team consists of:
- a consultant
- an associate specialist
- a chief clinical physiologist
- three cardiac nurse specialists
- a cardiac physiotherapist
- a personal assistant
Heart investigations equipment
We offer comprehensive heart investigations using:
- state-of-the-art imaging and monitoring equipment
- cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram or ECG) equipment
- digital reporting stations
- a high-definition CT scanner
- several different types of heart ECG rhythm monitoring equipment
- remote monitoring facility
GP direct access
Some cardiac investigations can be arranged directly through your general practitioner (GP).
If you're a GP and would like to book a test for your patient, download the referral form below.
GP direct access referral form
Charity, donations and legacies
Funding from the Health and Social Services Department is limited and charitable donations help to support the local cardiac services. The fund is called 'The Jersey Heart and Lung Unit Gift Fund'.
For further information on how to donate to the fund, contact the Jersey Heart and Lung Unit.
gov.je