CVD contributes to a quarter of all deaths in the UK (26%), with more than 170,000 deaths annually. But it does not affect everyone equally. Higher risk groups include ethnic minority communities and people living in deprived communities*.

The NIHR Cardiovascular Disease Inequalities Challenge Consortium, in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, has brought together universities across the UK in the £50m consortium.

The TransPennine collaborative, convened by the NHSA includes the University of Leeds, University of Liverpool and Newcastle University. Together with eight other UK universities, selected to take part in the consortium, the national group will generate evidence and innovative solutions that deliver improved detection and monitoring of undiagnosed or poorly managed hypertension and high levels of bad cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia). They aim to save thousands of lives and reduce inequalities.

The consortium will also have a major focus on developing research capacity to help shift the dial on CVD. They will work together to develop an innovative and diverse programme of career development opportunities to inspire, develop and support the next generation of researchers. This equips them with the right skills and expertise to work across clinical practice and research sectors.

The announcement is among NIHR’s responses to delivering the government’s health and growth mission and NHS 10-year plan. This aims for fewer lives lost to the biggest killers, with the shift from sickness to prevention to move towards a fairer Britain where everyone lives well for longer.

The successful  universities will collaborate with many other organisations around the UK. These include other universities and research institutes, charities, social enterprise organisations, local councils, NHS trusts and industry, to ensure system-wide change can be delivered. The universities leading the partnerships are:

• University of Glasgow
• University of Leeds
• University of Surrey
• Swansea University
• University of Birmingham
• King’s College London-University of Nottingham
• University of Ulster
• Imperial College London
• University of Bristol

Hannah Davies, Chief Executive of the Northern Health Science Alliance, said: “The new TransPennine consortium aims to reduce deaths from heart attacks and strokes by tackling major inequalities in cardiovascular disease across the UK, particularly in the North of England, where risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol are often missed or untreated in disadvantaged and under‑represented groups

“We are delighted that the Transpennine collaboration brought together by the Northern Health Science Alliance and led by the University of Leeds has been successful in being selected as part of the NIHR Cardiovascular Disease Inequalities Challenge Consortium.

“We know that the North of England has some of the highest rates of cardiovascular disease in the country and as part of this consortia we have the opportunity to be on the ground, tackling the stark and persistent inequalities that require coordinated national action. This consortium represents a shared commitment to move from treating sickness to preventing it – improving early detection and management of hypertension and high cholesterol, embracing digital innovation, and working with communities and patients who have historically been underserved.”

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) 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.”

Professor Danny McAuley, Scientific Director for NIHR Programmes, said:

“Combining health research with social, economic and place-based solutions – including partnering with industry – this consortium includes some of the UK’s best experts, aiming to accelerate knowledge,  strengthen research capacity and empower future research leaders.”

Professor Vijay Kunadian, Professor of Interventional Cardiology, Newcastle University, and the Consortium Co-lead for Research and Capacity Development, 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.”

Professor Frances Mair, Norie Miller Professor of General Practice, University of Glasgow, and the Consortium Co-lead for Research, said:

“I’m excited to be co-leading this consortium. It will bring together expertise from across the UK with a shared ambition to move beyond business as usual, embedding equity into cardiovascular prevention and care, and delivering practical solutions that improve cardiovascular health for the communities who need them most.”

Professor Bryan Williams, 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.”