scotPHO introduction:
  Allergic conditions
  Asthma
  Cancer
  CHD
Key points
  Introduction
  Risk factors
  Policy context
  Data
  Key data sources
  Key references and evidence
  Useful links
  Chronic Liver Disease
  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  Diabetes
  Disability
  Epilepsy
  Hepatitis C
  Immunisations
  Infections
  Injuries
  Mental Health
  Multiple Sclerosis
  Oral Health
  Stroke
  Suicide
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Coronary heart disease: key points

The incidence of, and mortality from, coronary heart disease (CHD) have both been falling in Scotland in recent years.  An apparent slight increase in incidence between 2007/08 and 2008/09 is due to the change in the clinical definition of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), based on more sensitive laboratory tests.

Incidence

  • The incidence of CHD is higher amongst men, the elderly and in deprived areas of Scotland.
  • The main risk factors are:
            - high blood cholesterol
            - physical inactivity
            - smoking
            - high blood pressure
            - obesity
            - poor diet
            - type 2 diabetes
            - socio-economic deprivation.

Mortality

  • Despite a marked decrease over time, Scottish CHD mortality rates remain amongst the highest in western Europe.
  • The rate for under-75s (standardised by age) continued to fall in 2008 and is on track to meet the Scottish target of a 60% reduction between 1995 and 2010.
  • CHD mortality is strongly related to age, with much higher rates among elderly people.
  • Within Scotland, rates remain higher in west central Scotland and in deprived areas.

 

 Section updates:

  • The last major update of this section was completed in December 2009.
  • The next major update is due to be carried out by end December 2010.