Coronary heart disease: key points

The incidence of, and mortality from, coronary heart disease (CHD) have both been falling in Scotland in recent years.

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 the marked fall 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 2005 and is on track to meet the Scottish target of a 60% reduction between 1995 and 2010.
• Within Scotland, CHD mortality rates remain higher in west central Scotland and in deprived areas.
• CHD mortality is strongly related to age, with much higher rates among elderly people.