Region to lead world in trials of cardiac alert vest

The longer treatment is delayed, the more damage is caused to the heart muscle, but treatment varies depending on the type of heart attack.

Overall, more than 180,000 people die each year from heart disease and strokes, accounting for one in three of all deaths.

In 2009, cardiovascular disease was blamed for 28 per cent of premature deaths in men and almost 20 per cent of premature deaths in women, claiming 45,000 lives of people aged under 75.

Heart disease costs the UK economy £9 billion a year.