Other useful website links
Here are useful website links to organisations relevant to public health promotion and chronic disease prevention. They have been grouped into:
The National Heart Forum is in no way responsible or liable for the content of any of these sites.
If you would like to link to our website, please send an email to webenquiry@heartforum.org.uk with a short introduction paragraph about your organisation. Links will be exchanged at the discretion of the National Heart Forum.
NHS Direct
NHS Direct operates a 24-hour nurse advice and health information service, providing confidential information on: What to do if you or your family are feeling ill; Particular health conditions; Local healthcare services, such as doctors, dentists or late night opening pharmacies. Self help and support organisations. The telephone service is available in England and Wales at any time of the day or night, by calling on 0845 4647. A similar service called NHS24 has been introduced in Scotland on 08454 242424.
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
British Cardiac Patients Association
The British Cardiac Patients Association is a non profit making organisation run by volunteers and established to provide help, support, reassurance and advice to cardiac patients, their families and carers. Contact their National Helpline at 0800 479 2800.
http://www.bcpa.co.uk/
Heart UK - The Cholesterol Charity
Heart UK is committed to raising awareness of heart disease in the UK. It is backed by a very able and knowledgeable Medical Task Force which provides information on the risks of heart disease to the public and to their health providers.. The Hyperlipidaemia Education And Research Trust also provides information for patients and families with inherited high cholesterol and scientific research and good clinical practise for the management of hyperlipidaemia within the UK. They aim to make all aware that high levels of cholesterol are a serious heart disease risk. Contact their helpline 01628 628 638 from Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm or email ask@heartuk.org.uk
http://www.heartuk.org.uk/
British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation runs a medical information line that provides information about heart conditions and their management. It cannot respond to questions about service provision in individual hospitals. Contact their Heart Information Line at 08450 70 80 70.
http://www.bhf.org.uk/
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Audit Commission
The Audit Commission is an independent public body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently, and effectively in the areas of local government, housing, health, criminal justice and fire and rescue services. Reports include diabetes and obesity. Coronary heart disease: Guidance for implementing the preventive aspects for the National Service Framework
http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/
Big Lottery Fund (New Opportunities Fund)
Big Lottery Fund was created by merging the New Opportunities Fund and the Community Fund. It will hand out half the money for good causes from the National Lottery. It awards national lottery grants to health, education and environment projects throughout the UK.
http://www.nof.org.uk
Cardiovascular Diseases Specialist Library (Also see National Library for Health)
The Cardiovascular Diseases Specialist Library (CVDSL) aims to support people working in the field of cardiovascular diseases by facilitating access to evidence-based resources.
http://www.library.nhs.uk/cardiovascular/
Centre for Reviews and Dissemination - NHS
The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) was established in January 1994, and aims to provide research-based information about the effects of interventions used in health and social care.
http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/welcome.htm
Department for Education and Skills
The Department for Education and Skills was established with the purpose of creating opportunity, releasing potential and achieving excellence for all.
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/index.htm
Department for Transport
The Department for Transport's objective is to oversee the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system that responds efficiently to the needs of individuals and business whilst safeguarding our environment.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/
Department for Transport - local transport initiatives
The department for transport's local transport initiatives provide guidance on how to encourage and increase alternative modes of transport such as walking and cycling, which have an impact on health. Advice is given on improving safety and the local environment to make such activities more attractive.
http://www.local-transport.dft.gov.uk/
Food Standards Agency
The Food Standards Agency is an independent Government department set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food.
http://www.food.gov.uk
Health Scotland - NHS
Health Scotland is a special health board created on 1 April 2003. They provide a national focus for improving health and work with the Scottish Executive and other key partners to take action to improve health and reduce health inequalities in Scotland.
http://www.healthscotland.com/
Improvement and Development Agency Knowledge
IDeA Knowledge delivers in-depth improvement news and examples of good practice from councils across England and Wales, and provides access to the IDeA’s range of tools and services
http://www.idea-knowledge.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=1
National Library for Health
The National Library for Health programme is working with NHS libraries to develop a digital library for NHS staff, patients and the public.
http://www.library.nhs.uk/Default.aspx
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
NICE is the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health. On 1 April 2005 NICE joined with the Health Development Agency to become the new National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (also to be known as NICE).
http://www.nice.org.uk
National Research Register
The National Research Register is a database of on-going and recently
completed research projects funded by or of interest to the UK's National Health Service. It is available and searchable online
http://www.update-software.com/national
National Audit Office - Tackling Obesity in England
This link to the press notice section of the National Audit Office provides an overview of the Tackling Obesity in England report published in February 2001.
http://www.nao.gov.uk/pn/00-01/0001220.htm
Scottish CHD information and statistics
The link to the Scottish Information and Statistics Division contains useful information, statistics and reports and related to coronary heart disease.
http://www.isdscotland.org
Stroke Specialist Library
The Stroke Specialist Library is being developed to provide high quality, evidence-based information on all of aspects of Stroke. This site is aimed at health professionals with an interest in Stroke. Patients, carers and the general public are welcome to use the site, but may wish to visit NHS Direct Online first.
http://www.library.nhs.uk/stroke/
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American Heart Association
Comprehensive site for both the public and health professionals. It includes access to the AHA's research programme, statistics and publications. It aims to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
http://www.americanheart.org
Cardiovascular Research Initiative
Funded by the Wellcome Trust, this initiative was established to promote recruitment and career progression of talented young clinical and basic science researchers in cardiovascular medicine and provide a platform for collaboration on existing and future cardiovascular research.
http://www.well.ox.ac.uk/cvri
Cochrane Heart Group
The Cochrane Heart Group prepares, maintains and promotes the accessibility of systematic reviews of the effects of interventions for treating ischaemic and all other heart diseases and preventing cardiovascular disease.
http://www.epi.bris.ac.uk/cochrane/heart.htm
CORDA (The Coronary Artery Disease Research Association)
CORDA supports clinical research into the prevention and early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease through the development and application of safe and painless non-invasive methods.
http://www.corda.org.uk
European Heart Network
The European Heart Network plays a leading role in the prevention and reduction of cardiovascular disease through advocacy, networking and education, so that it is no longer a major cause of premature death and disability throughout Europe.
http://www.ehnheart.org
European Network for Smoking Prevention (ENSP)
The ENSP aims to create greater coherence among smoking prevention activities and to promote comprehensive tobacco control policies at both the national and European level.
http://www.ensp.org
European Society of Cardiology
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) represents more than 45,000 cardiology professionals across Europe and the Mediterranean. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of the European population by reducing the impact of cardiovascular disease.
http://www.escardio.org
Heartnet
The Network Group for those who work or have an interest in cardiovascular health and associated risk factors including hypertension and obesity and who want to network, share knowledge and ideas, and exchange information on current developments and best practice in cardiovascular health and is hosted by the Faculty of Public Health (UK).
http://www.fph.org.uk/policy_communication/network_groups/network_groups_current_list.asp
International Task Force for prevention of coronary heart disease
Provides coronary heart disease prevention information to the professional sector and to the public.
http://www.chd-taskforce.de
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
The US institute provides cardiovascular information for health professionals covering high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity and heart attacks as well as a link to information for patients and the public.
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/heart/index.htm
World Heart Federation
International alliance of societies of cardiology and heart foundations. Sponsor of the World Congress of Cardiology and host of World Heart Day.
http://www.worldheart.org
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Public health and health promotion
4 Nations Child Policy Network
The 4 Nations Child Policy Network website provides access to information about policy, consultations and legislation from the four devolved UK nations that relates to children and young people. The network aims to empower its users to contribute to and influence policy decisions affecting the lives of children, their families and those who work with them.
http://www.childpolicy.org.uk/
Association of Public Health Observatories
The Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO) facilitates collaborative working of the Public Health Observatories (PHOs) and their equivalents in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. It provides a forum for disseminating good practice, sharing methodologies, coordinating action and providing a focus for links with national organisations. Public Health Observatories search for and compile information and datasets on the nation's health and distil from them the knowledge to guide its improvement.
http://www.apho.org.uk/apho/
British Hypertension Society
The British Hypertension Society is a forum for clinicians, physiologists and other scientists with an interest in hypertension. Their website includes details of their meetings, research and publications such as Guidelines for Management of Hypertension.
http://www.bhsoc.org
Cardio Vascular Coalition
The Cardio Vascular Coalition is a national coalition of 31 voluntary organisations with an interest in promoting and protecting cardio/vascular health in England. With the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease coming to a close at the end of 2009, the Cardio Vascular Coalition is campaigning for a new, comprehensive Cardio/vascular Health Strategy for 2010-2020.
http://www.bhf.org.uk/cvc/
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
The cardiovascular health section of the CDC's website includes statistical information, further resources, publications and links to other international agencies.
http://www.cdc.gov/doc.do/id/0900f3ec802720b8
Education for Health
Education for Health is a powerful merger of two of the UK's leading education institutions for health professionals: the National Respiratory Training Centre (NRTC) and Heartsave. It aims to provide a consistent, comprehensive and innovative approach to professional health training across the fields of cardiovascular disease and respiratory health, with the ultimate objective of transforming lives worldwide. Educational programmes are run nationally and internationally and are accredited by the Open University.
http://www.educationforhealth.org.uk
Globalink
International tobacco control network. Run a daily tobacco-relevant news service; available on website and by email subscription.
http://www.globalink.org
Health Education Trust
A UK registered charity, formed to promote the development of health education for young people in the UK. Initiates and supports work to encourage the growth of healthy lifestyles, by projects such as the School Nutrition Action Groups.
http://www.healthedtrust.com
Heart Research UK
Heart Research UK is a national charity funding pioneering medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. For nearly forty years we have funded many of the medical breakthroughs we now take for granted including six of the first eight successful UK heart transplants. We focus on funding innovative, new research and supporting young researchers in their first steps into heart research. We also have grants available for community based healthy heart projects that are helping to encourage people to look after their hearts, through smoking cessation, healthy eating programmes and regular physical activity. Visit www.heartresearch.org.uk for more information or contact 0113 234 7474.
High Blood Pressure Foundation
The foundation aims to improve the basic understanding, assessment, treatment and public awareness of high blood pressure and help promote the welfare of people with high blood pressure. The website includes information on the foundation's research, publications and further links.
http://www.hbpf.org.uk
International Association for the Study of Obesity
The IASO represents scientists, medical and health professionals working to advance knowledge and understanding of the relationship between bodyweight and health through research and dialogue worldwide.
http://www.iaso.org
International Obesity Task Force
The IOTF is a global network of expertise, a research-led think tank and advocacy arm of the International Association for the Study of Obesity. The IOTF is working to alert the world to the growing health crisis threatened by soaring levels of obesity. It works with the World Health Organization, other NGOs and stakeholders to address this challenge.
http://www.iotf.org
Joint Health Claims Initiative
A joint venture between consumer organisations, enforcement authorities and industry trade associations in the UK to establish a Code of Practice for health claims on food.
http://www.jhci.org.uk/
Pharmacy Health Link
Pharmacy Health Link's primary aim is to find out how pharmacists can help promote and maintain health. It works with Government, health professionals, pharmacists and the public to achieve this aim. It was originally set up to provide sexual health advice to the public through pharmacies. But later became involved with providing leaflets to the public on a wide range of health topics. More recently it has been working with the Government, public health and professional pharmacy organisations to broaden the role that pharmacists and their staff can play in helping the public achieve good health.
http://www.pharmacyhealthlink.org.uk/
National Library of Medicine, US
The National Library of Medicine is the world's largest medical library. The Library collects materials and provides information and research services in all areas of biomedicine and health care. It is a comprehensive site with access to information on all aspects of coronary heart disease.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov
Treatobacco.net
Treatobacco.net contains independent, peer reviewed information on the treatment of tobacco dependence. The site includes summaries of the evidence, links and downloadable resources, including slide sets.
http://www.treatobacco.net
Wired for Health
An educational site for teachers in England, hosted by the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Employment. Promotes the government's Healthy Schools Programme.
http://www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk
World Health Organisation, Europe
Agency of the United Nations with primary responsibility for international health matters and public health.
http://www.who.dk
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Trials and systematic reviews
British Regional Heart Study
A study to determine the factors responsible for the variation in ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and stroke in Great Britain.The website contains a bibliography of 250 abstracts from 20 years of publications, with keyword searches and hypertext links to references, abstracts and full text where available.
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/primcare-popsci/brhs
Cochrane Heart Group
The Group facilitates the publication of systematic reviews on heart disease on the Cochrane Library.
http://www.epi.bris.ac.uk/cochrane/heart.htm
WHO Monica Project
An international project to monitor trends in cardiovascular disease mortality.
http://www.ktl.fi/monica/public/brief.html
Wider Public Health Project
A report of the evidence from systematic reviews or research relevant to implementing the wider public health agenda in England.
http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/wph.htm
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Journals
British Medical Journal
Aims to help doctors practise better medicine and to influence the debate on health. Publishes research reviews and original studies on all factors affecting health.
http://www.bmj.com
Circulation
Journal of the American Heart Foundation. Current issue and searchable archives.
http://circ.ahajournals.org
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Aimed at clinical and research workers in nutrition and related fields, this monthly publication covers theoretical aspects of nutrition; nutritional causes and effects of disease; the epidemiology of disease; community nutrition and education and the determents of eating behaviour.
http://www.nature.com/ejcn/index.html
Evidence-based Cardiovascular Medicine
This quarterly journal aims to help adult and paediatric cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, general internists and family physicians to keep up with important clinical developments in cardiovascular medicine.
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/623027/description#description
Health Service Journal
HSJ Online is a resource covering health policy and management issues.
http://www.hsj.co.uk/
Heart
Clinical journal for cardiologists on treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
http://www.heartjnl.com
International Journal of Obesity
The journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity
http://www.nature.com/ijo/index.html
Journal of Human Hypertension
Aimed at cardiologists, GPs, obstetricians, research workers, nurses and epidemiologists.
http://www.nature.com/jhh/index.html
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
The Journal of the British Dietetic Society can be accessed from the A-Z link from this page.
http://www.blackwell-science.com
Journal of Public Health Medicine
Official journal of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine
http://pubmed.oupjournals.org/
Lancet
Original clinical research, news and reviews. Limited articles available free of charge to non-members.
http://www.thelancet.com
New England Journal of Medicine
Research on clinical and socio-economic factors affecting health provision. Abstracts are available for download. The full text of articles is available to subscribers only.
http://www.nejm.org/content/index.asp
PubMed Central - free journals access
PubMed Central is a digital archive of life sciences journal at the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Access to PubMed Central is free and unrestricted. Journals include Current Controlled Trials in Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Diabetology and International Journal for Equity in Health.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/
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Search engines and databases
Cardiosource
Website for cardiovascular specialists providing access to current editions of key journals and latest news in cardiology and general medicine and a database of recent and current studies. Subscription-based access.
http://www.cardiosource.com
Medline
Medical database held by the US National Library of Medicine. Access mostly free.
http://medlineplus.gov/
PubMed
Service from the National Library of Medicine, providing free access to citations from Medline and life science journals.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed
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