Poverty link to heart disease remains

People who live in deprived areas are still far more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, according to new Government figures.

An online tool showing the variation in death rates and risk factors for heart disease and strokes revealed those who live in poorer parts of the England were 2.5 times more likely to die of heart disease and strokes than those who live in the least deprived areas.

The Department of Health hopes the comparative system, compiled by the South East Public Health Observatory, will drive up standards and improve the targeting of resources.

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It has been developed so health services can assess the impact of cardiovascular diseases on their populations. The figures show the quality and availability of services, and where a stronger focus on prevention could improve outcomes for patients.

Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and strokes, is the main cause of death in the UK, causing around a third of all deaths in England.

Figures from the tool show mortality rates for cardiovascular disease in England have decreased, but this varies from more than 55 per cent in Sunderland, Mid Essex and Hartlepool, to around 40 per cent in parts of London and the East of England.

Mortality rates from cardiovascular disease are still much higher amongst people who live in deprived areas and in 2009 were more than 2.5 times higher compared to those people who live in the least deprived areas.

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Obesity levels also changed greatly between areas. Estimates of adult obesity vary from around 15 per cent of the population in parts of London to around 30 per cent in areas such as Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.

Poor diet is widespread in every area with less than 50 per cent of people eating enough fruit and vegetables, falling to around 20 per cent in parts of the North East.

Prof Roger Boyle, National Clinical Director for Heart Disease and Stroke, said: “These profiles offer a snapshot of where we need to focus efforts to improve these services. They are a sobering reminder of the public health challenges around poor diet and obesity..”

Health Minister Simon Burns said: “People with long term conditions such as cardiovascular disease are the biggest users of the NHS, accounting for 50 per cent of GP appointments and 70 per cent of in-patient hospital beds.

“We need to modernise the NHS to drive up standards across the country and provide these people with the best outcomes possible.”