A DVD has been launched to help educate South Asian people about the importance of getting urgent help if they suffer chest pains.

The DVD, produced by the NHS Bradford and Airedale community development team and a group of heart patients, is available in Urdu – with English subtitles – and is backed by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Copies will be distributed through GP surgeries, clinics, hospitals, seminars and conferences and Asian cinemas.

The initiative followed a BHF survey that found four out of five South Asians aged over 55 would not call for emergency help straight away if they experienced chest pains, even though they are one of the groups at highest risk of a heart attack.

Rob Mooney, community development manager with NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “This project will not only save lives, but save much grief, heartache and money.

“It is an excellent venture involving our patients – the first of its kind in the country – and aims to improve people’s awareness at a critical time in their lives. We are delighted that it has been supported by the British Heart Foundation, which can help us spread this important message nationally.”

Qaim Zaidi, for the BHF, said: “Every second counts if you are suffering a heart attack. It’s important to call 999 immediately at the very first sign of a possible attack, instead of calling a relative or GP.

“Emergency services are experts at getting you the help you need straight away and also offer language translation services.

“Any delay in receiving emergency treatment can lead to more heart damage, or even prove fatal. This DVD helps drive home a vital message that could save many lives in the future.”