This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Deaths from heart disease on way down
31/10/2005
Fewer Scots are dying prematurely from heart disease and stroke and sufferers are receiving treatment quicker than every before, according to figures published today.
The figures include:
- Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) mortality rates decreased by 7.3 per cent between 2003 and 2004 (from 150.4 to 139.4 per 100,000 population)
- The under 75 mortality rate from CHD fell by 9.4 per cent (from 77.6 to 70.3 per 100,000)
- The rate of people diagnosed with CHD decreased by 5.1 per cent between 2003 and 2004 (from 330.6 to 313.7)
- The number of revascularisation procedures (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts and Coronary Angioplasties) performed by NHS Scotland has risen by 6.3 per cent (from 6780 in 2003/04 to 7207 in 2004/05)
- Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD, i.e. stroke) mortality rates decreases by 6.2 per cent between 2003 and 2004 (from 79.1 to 74.2 per 100,000 population)
- The under 75 death rate from CVD fell by 9.6 per cent (from 24.9 to 22.5 per 100,000)
- The rate of people diagnosed with CVD has fallen by 5.6 per cent between 2003 and 2004
Health Minister Andy Kerr said:
"It is excellent news that fewer Scots are being diagnosed with and dying from Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and stroke.
"More patients with heart problems are being treated and waiting times for these procedures are the shortest in the UK.
"In 2002 we launched a CHD and stroke strategy which set challenging targets to reduce mortality rates from these diseases. We are currently on track to meet these targets, and I intend to ensure that we do.
"However, it is clear that much more needs to be done to help people in deprived areas improve their health. Last week I set out 'Delivering for Health', which focuses on preventative care. This will mean proactively getting out into communities to identify those at risk of a heart attack or high cholesterol to help them take early action to stop illness happening.
"Stopping smoking is the single biggest step anyone can take to improving their health, as well as benefiting their friends and family. Scotland will be the first part of the UK to become completely smoke free in all enclosed public places from March 26, 2006.
"We also announced an additional £ million earlier this year to support people who want to kick the habit. I am proud of these measures and feel confident that tackling the causes of ill health will further improve Scotland's poor health record."
The targets set out in the Executive's CHD/stroke strategy are:
- 60 per cent reduction in the mortality rate from CHD amongst under 75s between 1995 and 2010 i.e. from 124.6 to 49.8 deaths per 100,000 population
- 50 per cent reduction in mortality rate from CVD (including stroke) amongst under 75s between 1995 and 2010 i.e. from 37.5 to 18.8 deaths per 100,000 population