Studies have found increased incidence among young people and those living in deprived areas.
The study, conducted by European researchers from the Universities of Glasgow, Oxford, KU Leuven and Leicester, highlights changing trends and persistent challenges in heart health and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the UK.
Published in BMJThe researchers analyzed electronic health records from 22 million people from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, CPRD GOLD, and Aurum.
CVD affects around seven million people in the UK and is a significant cause of disability and death.
Affecting around 2.3 million people in the UK, coronary artery disease is the most common heart and circulatory system disease and occurs when a buildup of fatty material within the walls of the coronary arteries narrows them.
The study found that the overall incidence of heart-related diseases has fallen by 19% over the past 20 years, and there has also been a significant drop in heart attacks and strokes between 2000 and 2019, with incidence rates falling by about 30%.
Despite this decline, the study also highlights rising diagnoses of other heart conditions, including arrhythmias, valve problems and blood clots, as well as stark disparities between rich and poor: People living in poor areas are almost twice as likely to suffer from certain heart conditions than those living in wealthier areas.
The researchers said the overall burden of heart disease remains high due to rising rates of other health conditions, with large segments of the population at risk, including young people and those living in economically disadvantaged areas, suggesting that further efforts are needed to better identify those at highest risk of developing CVD and most effectively prevent it.
Dr Natalie Conrad, Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow and lead author of the study, said: “Our findings suggest that existing efforts are successful in preventing CVD, but that other CVDs are increasing at the same time.”
“We hope that these findings will help raise awareness to expand research and prevention efforts to include a broader range of cardiovascular conditions and their outcomes.”
