Everyday lifesavers champion heart health this February

Every minute counts in a cardiac emergency, and at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH), dedicated staff work tirelessly to prevent, detect, and treat heart disease—the UK’s leading cause of death.

This February, Heart Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of heart health and the life-saving role of healthcare professionals.

For Dr Joe Clarkson, who is based at Arrowe Park Hospital, saving lives isn’t just part of his job—it’s a way of life.

Last year, while getting a haircut in Liverpool, he saw a runner collapse outside. Without hesitation, he performed CPR, keeping the man alive until paramedics arrived. That man, Grant Williams, later tracked Joe down through a television programme, and today, they run together, raising awareness about heart health and CPR training.

Joe said: “Being in an emergency outside of work isn’t something you expect. It showed me the real impact anyone can have with good-quality basic life support.”

Immediate CPR can double or even triple survival chances, yet many people hesitate in a crisis. Cutting-edge technology at Arrowe Park Hospital is also transforming heart care for patients.

Oli McNab, a Cardiology Consultant Nurse at WUTH, said: “We have access to advanced imaging, high-sensitivity blood tests, and close ties with our tertiary centre at Liverpool Heart and Chest.”

Using a pocket-sized ultrasound scanner, Oli can detect heart problems instantly, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment.

Oli said: “Early detection is key. A heart attack caught early gives patients a far better chance of recovery and a normal life.”

While emergency care saves lives, prevention remains the most powerful tool against heart disease.

Joe said: “Maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise in an activity you enjoy, and finding ways to reduce stress all play a vital role in heart health.”

Oli added: “The most concerning symptoms of a heart attack include a tight, crushing pain in the chest that may spread to the arm or jaw, often with sweating and shortness of breath. If you experience these, call 999 immediately.”

Less severe symptoms, such as chest tightness during exertion, may indicate angina—a warning sign that should prompt an urgent visit to your GP before it escalates.

“The heart has no backup,” Oli said. “Look after it now, and it will look after you.”

This Heart Month, take control of your heart health. Learn CPR, book a health check, and make heart-smart choices—because the best way to fight heart disease is to prevent it.