Heart disease and stroke

27 Jan 2015 12:39 PM

Mortality rates fall over 40 per cent in last decade

Statistics published yesterday by ISD Scotland show that mortality for heart disease has fallen 43 per cent from 2004 to 2013, with stroke deaths down by 41 per cent over the same period.

Also, the absolute gap in death rates between the most deprived and least deprived communities for coronary heart disease has narrowed by 33 per cent over ten years, demonstrating a reduction in health inequalities.

Incidence rates for both coronary heart disease (CHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), of which stroke is one of the most common types, are down since 2004, with a 30 per cent drop in CHD and a 22 per cent drop in CVD.

Survival rates for those suffering their first heart attack have increased over the last decade – up 6.7 per cent.

Maureen Watt, Minister for Public Health, said: “These figures show that our strategy for tackling heart disease and stroke is working.

“It’s tremendous news that fewer people are developing heart disease or suffering strokes, and that fewer people are dying. I’m also encouraged to see that health inequalities are reducing in this area, with the gap in mortality rates between the most deprived and least deprived communities falling over time.

“These figures are a genuine success story for Scotland’s health service. But the real secret to further decreases in heart disease and stroke lies in people’s lifestyles. Taking regular exercise, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol are simple steps that everyone can take to reduce the risk of suffering heart disease or stroke.”

Background:

To see the full statistics visit: http://www.isdscotland.org/