The widow of a police officer who died of a heart attack aged 48 said there was "no reason" why he should have succumbed to an unknown cardiac defect. Craig Higgins, from Sowerby Bridge, in West Yorkshire, was on duty with Greater Manchester Police when he collapsed in 2022. According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), there has been a 23% increase in the number of 20-64-year-olds dying of heart and circulatory diseases in Yorkshire since 2019. Senior cardiac nurse Julie Ward said: "It is significant, the figures are quite shocking. It's a very complex situation, there isn't one factor that's caused it. It's multi-factor." Dawn Higgins said her husband and the father of her two children appeared fit and healthy and took regular exercise, but had developed a thickening of the heart wall, which made it more difficult for the organ to pump blood around the body. "He ran a bit, walked his dog every day, didn't have an unhealthy lifestyle. He didn't smoke or drink excessively, was not overweight. Statistically, there was no reason why he should have died." Research by the BHF also found that in Yorkshire and the Humber there had been a 17% rise in the number of people diagnosed with heart failure in recent years, from 59,320 in 2020 to 69,190. Another woman who lost her seemingly healthy and active partner is Melissa Antons, whose fiancé, Joe Banks, from Holmfirth, died aged 32 from a cardiac arrest caused by an aortic aneurysm while competing in a half-marathon in Austria last September. "He was wearing a Garmin watch on the day of the run with his heart rate on it. It all seemed fine, he was living a very healthy life. There were no indications really." According to the BHF data, there has been an 11% rise in the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Melissa said she would like to see more routine screening for heart disease. "Unfortunately you only notice when it's too late, especially with young people. There's a big need for earlier diagnosis." She thinks screening should begin at the age of 30 to look at how the heart reacts to different tests, such a cycling or running. Her sentiments are echoed by Dawn. "Something that's occurred to me recently is perhaps there should be more routine testing. I don't know what age or criteria you'd have to be," she said. "For example, we've got two sons and their dad has died unexpectedly of an undiagnosed condition. They've not been tested, surely there should be some screening." The Department for Health has been approached for comment. Listen to highlights fromWest Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latestepisode of Look North.
'My husband shouldn't have died from a heart attack at 48'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Widow Calls for Routine Heart Screening After Husband's Sudden Death at 48"
Bbc News
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Dawn Higgins, the widow of Craig Higgins, a police officer who died unexpectedly at the age of 48 from a heart attack, has expressed her disbelief over her husband's demise due to an undiagnosed cardiac defect. Craig was on duty with Greater Manchester Police when he collapsed in 2022, leaving behind his wife and two children. Despite leading a healthy lifestyle that included regular exercise, walking his dog, and avoiding smoking or excessive drinking, he developed a condition known as left ventricular hypertrophy, which thickens the heart wall and complicates blood circulation. This tragic incident highlights a concerning trend in Yorkshire, where the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has reported a 23% increase in deaths from heart and circulatory diseases among individuals aged 20 to 64 since 2019. Senior cardiac nurse Julie Ward emphasized the complexity of the issue, indicating that multiple factors contribute to this alarming rise in cardiac-related fatalities.
The growing concern over undiagnosed heart conditions is echoed by other families who have suffered similar losses. Melissa Antons recounted the sudden death of her fiancé, Joe Banks, who collapsed during a half-marathon at the age of 32 due to an aortic aneurysm. Like Craig, Joe appeared healthy and was actively engaged in fitness, making his death even more shocking. The BHF's data further reveals a 17% increase in heart failure diagnoses in the Yorkshire and Humber region, alongside an 11% rise in diabetes cases, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Both Dawn and Melissa advocate for more routine heart disease screenings, suggesting that early detection could save lives, especially among young people. They propose that screening should begin at age 30 to monitor heart health proactively. The families' calls for action may prompt further discussion on the need for increased awareness and preventive measures in the face of rising heart-related health issues, particularly among those who seem outwardly healthy.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a poignant account of the premature deaths of seemingly healthy individuals due to heart-related issues, focusing on Craig Higgins, a police officer who died at 48, and Joe Banks, a young athlete who died at 32. This narrative aims to shed light on the rising incidence of heart diseases, particularly among younger populations, and highlights the need for increased awareness and preventive measures.
Health Awareness and Risk Factors
The widow of Craig Higgins emphasizes that her husband led a healthy lifestyle, which raises questions about the unpredictability of heart conditions. The mention of statistics from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) indicating a significant rise in heart disease mortality among younger adults serves to alarm the public. The article draws attention to the complexities of cardiovascular health, suggesting that various factors contribute to this alarming trend. This multifaceted approach may encourage readers to reconsider their health and the importance of routine check-ups.
Public Sentiment and Emotional Appeal
By sharing personal stories of loss, the article seeks to resonate emotionally with readers. The experiences of both widows underscore a sense of urgency regarding heart health, particularly for those who appear fit. This emotional narrative aims to generate empathy and a call to action, urging the public and health authorities to prioritize heart disease screening and awareness, especially among younger individuals.
Potential Concerns and Broader Implications
While the article raises important health issues, it may also inadvertently downplay the role of lifestyle factors in some cases. Although it highlights the need for routine screenings, it could lead to a perception that heart disease is purely genetic or unavoidable, which can overshadow the importance of personal health choices. This narrative might also divert attention from broader systemic issues, such as healthcare accessibility and the need for public health initiatives.
Market and Societal Impact
In terms of societal impact, increased awareness of heart disease could lead to greater demand for health screenings and related services. This might benefit companies involved in medical technology and preventive healthcare. On a broader scale, the article could influence public health policy, as lawmakers may feel pressured to address rising health concerns among younger demographics.
Target Audience
The article likely resonates with a wide audience, particularly individuals who prioritize health and fitness, as well as those affected by similar tragedies. It appeals to communities concerned about health disparities and the rising rates of chronic diseases.
Potential Media Influence
There may be an underlying agenda to galvanize public opinion toward more proactive health measures, which could lead to increased funding for health initiatives. The tone and language used in the article could serve to manipulate public sentiment, driving home the urgency of the issue.
In conclusion, while the article presents factual information about rising heart disease rates and personal stories that evoke empathy, it may also simplify complex health issues. The reliability of the article is bolstered by the use of credible statistics from the British Heart Foundation, but it could benefit from a more nuanced discussion of lifestyle factors and systemic health issues. Overall, the article serves as a call to action for increased awareness and preventive measures regarding heart health.