Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term that contains a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. These include:
- coronary heart disease (CHD)
- stroke
- peripheral arterial disease
- heart failure
- atrial fibrillation (AF)
- vascular dementia
Risk factors
The primary causes of CVD are modifiable risk factors such as:
- high blood pressure
- smoking
- high cholesterol
- obesity
- diabetes
- physical inactivity
- poor diet
Non-modifiable factors can also increase the risk of CVD, such as:
- increasing age
- being male
- having family history of CVD
- certain ethnicities
- genetics
Social and environmental determinants, such as deprivation, housing, air quality, employment, also play a significant role in the onset and progression of CVD.
Context and background
CVD is one of the leading causes of premature death and disability in England and significantly contributes to health inequalities.
Stockton-on-Tees experiences higher rates of CVD-related mortality and emergency hospital admissions compared to the national average. People living in more deprived areas of the Borough are disproportionately affected.
Stockton-on-Tees faces complex health challenges due to large inequalities in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy between its most and least deprived communities. CVD is a major contributor to this gap.
The disease not only impacts individuals and families but also places a significant burden on local health and social care services and contributes to wider social and economic disadvantage.
The national picture
Nationally, around 7.6 million people in the UK live with CVD. It is responsible for approximately one in four deaths in England. The NHS Long Term Plan identifies CVD prevention as the single biggest area where the NHS can save lives over the next 10 years.
Key ambitions include preventing 150,000 heart attacks, strokes and cases of dementia by improving the detection and management of high-risk conditions.
The NHS Health Check programme targets adults aged 40 to 74 and is a key national initiative designed to prevent CVD by identifying risk factors early. Participation rates vary significantly across different regions and demographic groups. Improving uptake of the programme remains a priority in Stockton-on-Tees.
Recent and upcoming changes to legislation and practice
The government's upcoming Major Conditions Strategy (2025) will prioritise cardiovascular disease (CVD) at a national level. This strategy emphasises the importance of integrated prevention and care pathways throughout the health and care system.
Recent national pilot projects have explored alternative ways to provide NHS Health Checks, including workplace settings and digital delivery for people at home. The evaluation of these pilots will help shape future models for delivering NHS Health Checks nationally.
