HUNDREDS of heart attacks have been prevented in Bury by family doctors who are more likely to prescribe cholesterol busting drugs than GPs elsewhere in the country.

The borough's prescribing rates for statin drugs, which reduce cholesterol levels and in turn lower the risk of heart attacks and death, is a third higher than the national average.

Although people living in Bury have a 20 per cent higher than national average rate of heart disease, health bosses are keen to stress that this accounts only partly for the high prescribing rate, which, they say, is also the result of "hard work of local GPs determined to improve the health of the people of Bury".

Dr Peter Elton, director of public health for Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: "The death rate from heart disease has dropped by more than half in Bury over the last 20 years. We will see even fewer heart attacks in the next few years due to the concerted efforts of our GPs."

From July the statin drug Simvastatin will be available over the counter for people who may be at moderate risk of developing a heart problem.

Pharmacists will be able to assess an individual's risk and if necessary arrange health tests to ensure that it is safe to issue the drug.

Dr Derek Fletcher, chairman of the PCT's professional executive committee, said: "It is important to remember the statins will continue to be available on prescription from GPs. For those who already have heart disease, or who are at a high risk of heart disease, it is important to get a prescription from their GP. The GP can prescribe higher doses than is available over the counter. Bury PCT will ensure that pharmacists have appropriate training on appropriate over-the-counter sales of this drug."