CVD refers to all the diseases of the heart and circulation, including stroke and coronary heart disease (angina and heart attack). It is the number one cause of death globally, and remains the single greatest killer in Europe, accounting for over 4.30 million deaths annually.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a preventable disease which kills around 8,000 people in Scotland each year. The disease is caused when the heart’s blood vessels, the coronary arteries, become narrowed or blocked and cannot supply enough blood to the heart. This can cause a heart attack, chest pain or angina.
CHD is a priority in Scotland, where prevalence of the associated risk factors such as smoking, poor diet and physical inactivity is high and around 7.5% of men and 4.9% of women are living with CHD. The incidence has been decreasing steadily over the last 10 years, with a reduction of 43.2% since 2002, however, it remains more prevalent in areas of high deprivation.
The Scottish Government published their strategy document Better Heart Disease and Stroke Care Action Plan in June 2009. This confirmed that heart disease would continue to be a national clinical priority for NHS Scotland.
Pulse point
the above information can be found at:
Scottish Specific data: NHS Information Services Division
Further information can be obtained from:
- British Heart Foundation
- NHS Choices
- Scottish Government: Better Heart Disease & Stroke Care Action Plan
- Nichols M, Townsend N, Luengo-Fernandez R, Leal J, Gray A, Scarborough P, Rayner M (2012). European Cardiovascular Disease Statistics 2012. European Heart Network, Brussels, European Society of Cardiology, Sophia Antipolis.
Page last reviewed: 22 May 2020
