HEART disease sufferers in Birmingham tend to die nearly five years younger than those in other Midlands towns, a health map has reveals.

A postcode lottery for patients shows east, north and inner-city Birmingham residents and Sandwell people fare the worst.

They have among the highest death rates for coronary heart disease in the region

It showed men in Leicestershire were living almost five years longer, up to an age of nearly 80, than those in Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) areas of Aston, Ladywood, Sparkbrook, Handsworth, and Perry Barr. They died at an average age of 75.

While the national average for heart disease deaths stands at 77 people in every 100,000, Heart of Birmingham PCT had 100 deaths per 100,000, Sandwell PCT recorded 99 and Birmingham East and North PCT had 95.

Walsall deaths were also high at 90 for every 100,000 people and South Birmingham PCT had 86.

In comparison, Warwickshire and Worcestershire families reaped rewards of the lowest death rates, with 67 people in every 100,000 dying from heart disease .

Residents in affluent Solihull also do well with only 70 deaths per 100,000 people, while Dudley is below the national average at 75.

Dr Liz Hughes, a consultant at Sandwell Hospital, said: “The latest data suggests there are still significant disparities in heart disease across the Midlands.

“With the wide variability in coronary heart disease mortality rates across the country, a tailored approach is vital rather than a national ‘one size fits all’ strategy.

“The Heart Hotspots campaign highlights the need to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease risk factors and simple ways people can look after and protect their heart health along with the support of their doctors.”

Data has been revealed for the Heart Hotspots campaign by charity Heart UK and health firm MSD, which urges families to reconsider their eating and exercise habits.

For more information, visit www.heartuk.org.uk