Cardiovascular disease (CVD)

The data highlights a clear need to address CVD in Stockton-on-Tees through:

• improved prevention
• earlier diagnosis
• fair access to care
• targeted support for at-risk populations

Targeted prevention and early detection in high-risk groups

Stockton-on-Tees has higher than average prevalence of hypertension at 16.7%, diabetes at 8%, and stroke at 2.3%, all major risk factors for CVD. 

Smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption remain prevalent in Stockton-on-Tees, particularly in more deprived wards. 

24.6% of the eligible population received an NHS Health Check in the last 5 years, lower than the England average of 27%. This suggests that a large portion of the at-risk population may be undiagnosed or unmanaged. There is a need for improved uptake of NHS Health Checks, particularly in deprived communities and among men aged 40 to 60 years, who are less likely to engage with preventative health services. 

Some communities, for example those living in the most deprived quintile, certain ethnic groups, and people with lower health literacy, face barriers to accessing primary care, as well as treatment and rehabilitation services.   

Local, regional and national strategies must support fair access to NHS Health Checks, to help prevention and early identification of CVD. 

There is a need for services that address modifiable risk factors to be accessible and inclusive.

Strengthening local service delivery and integration 

While heart failure admissions are lower than the national average, stroke and coronary heart disease hospital admissions are above national average. This suggests an increased need for prevention and early diagnosis of CVD-related conditions, and potential gaps in community-based management. 

There is a need to better integrate primary care, community health services, voluntary sector support, and community champions to ensure people at risk of CVD receive an NHS Health Check, or those living with CVD receive coordinated care.  

Supporting people living with CVD to self-manage and stay well 

People living with multiple long-term conditions, especially in deprived areas, often struggle to navigate services or maintain continuity of care. 

There is a growing population living with CVD who may benefit from targeted education, peer support, social prescribing, and digital tools to manage their health. 

Workforce and system capacity

GP practices continue to face pressures, sometimes limiting their ability to deliver NHS Health Checks, or follow-up with people at risk.

There is a need for workforce development in risk identification, behaviour change conversations, and culturally informed care. Making Every Contact Count (MECC) training for public facing staff could aid with this.