East London Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (ELoPE)

What we do​

Our aim is to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in our local community, working in partnership with the British Heart Foundation. Logo for ELOPE, the East London Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Group

Newham, Tower Hamlets and other local boroughs have some of the highest levels of childhood obesity and diabetes in the country. ELoPE is an effort by the local healthcare community to address a problem that’s reaching epidemic levels.

It's a team effort and we couldn’t possibly do this without the support of our patients, partners and community. Working with schools and local businesses, we want to ensure a healthier future for our area and that starts here.​

Our partners  

ELoPE is a multidisciplinary collaborative and we’re proud to work with many fantastic organisations, including:

  • Barts Charity
  • British Heart Foundation
  • Clinical Effectiveness Group (CEG)
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
  • National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
  • NHS England
  • Queen Mary University of London
  • Sugar Smart
  • UCL Partners

Contact us or learn more about our projects below.

Stoptober

Quitting smoking is one of the most significant and life-changing decisions a person can make for their health and overall well-being. It's a journey that requires determination, support and a good understanding of the benefits of becoming smoke free.

First and foremost, quitting smoking improves your health dramatically. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When you quit, your body begins to heal almost immediately. Your lung function improves, your risk of heart disease decreases and your overall life expectancy increases.

Someone handling bank notes and change Financial benefits also come with quitting smoking. Cigarettes are costly and the money spent on them can add up significantly over time. When you quit, you not only save money on cigarettes but also on healthcare costs associated with smoking-related illnesses.

Quitting smoking enhances your quality of life. You'll no longer be controlled by cravings or the need for nicotine, giving you a sense of empowerment and freedom. Your sense of taste and smell will improve, and you'll no longer have the unpleasant odour of smoke clinging to your clothes and hair. 
Family at home, child and parent Quitting smoking also has positive effects on your loved ones. Second hand smoke can harm those around you, especially children and non-smoking family members. By quitting, you protect them from the dangers of passive smoking and set a positive example.

However, quitting smoking can be challenging. Nicotine is highly addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to overcome. That's why seeking support is crucial. Find support local to you here. You can also contact your GP or local pharmacy who can advise you about stop smoking medication.

One effective strategy is to replace smoking with healthier habits. Engaging in regular exercise, adopting a balanced diet and practicing stress-relief techniques can help you manage cravings and maintain a smoke-free lifestyle.

Healthy Heart assemblies for primary schools

We're delighted to offer free healthy heart talks to all primary schools in our local boroughs.

By shaping a healthier future for the children of east London, we aim to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in our population, where the rates of heart disease are higher than anywhere else in London.​

Delivered in person and virtually by Barts Health cardiology experts, the sessions, which are aimed at year six pupils, are fun, engaging and interactive. They educate children about the importance of heart health covering eating healthily, being active and a life without smoking.

To book a healthy heart session on a date that suits you, please email us.Prof Patel giving ELoPE Healthy Heart talk

 

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for secondary school teachers

CPR training model in use

CPR training will soon be mandatory across all secondary schools in England.

To support this, in collaboration with our resuscitation team we are offering free CPR training to secondary school teachers in the Barts Health catchment area. The training will offer teachers the confidence and competence to deliver CPR training to their pupils.

Training dates are offered to secondary school teachers from Tower Hamlets, Newham and Waltham Forest. Sessions will be held at Barts Health or in the local community. To find out more or book a session, please email us.

City talks for a healthier workforce

To improve the health of our City workers,  we have launched webinars for the local business community on cardiovascular disease prevention, led by our consultant cardiologists. The aim is to reduce the CVD risk in the local community and within the City workforce.​

If you want to:​

  • look after your staff​

  • improve wellbeing​

  • reduce sickness and largely preventable long-term conditions.

Then please get in touch. There is no set fee, but firms will be asked to make a donation to help raise funds for ELoPE projects, such as the Healthy Heart school talks.

All funds raised go directly into running the programme. Consultants give up their time free to support this important cause.​

To book a session for your organisation, please email us.

Current talks

  • Build back healthier​: A cardiovascular perspective​
  • How to prevent a heart attack

ELoPE high risk clinic

The high risk CVD clinic at Barts Health is a specialist service to diagnose and treat people who may be at particularly high risk of heart disease such as those with:

  • very high cholesterol levels
  • a family history of heart disease
  • heart disease at a young age.

The service is run by cardiology and diabetes consultants as well as a specialist nurses and pharmacists who offer the latest treatments and prevention therapies.

For more information, please contact us.

ELoPE staff drop-in

Now, more than ever, we need to look after the people who look after you. Barts Health has a large and busy workforce including a high number of people from BAME backgrounds whose risk of disease may be increased. We have therefore begun piloting drop-in clincis for staff to discuss their own heart health.