The King's Fund responds to NHSE's announcement on stroke prevention

Responding to the expected announcement on stroke prevention to be made by Chief Executive of NHS England Amanda Pritchard at The King’s Fund annual conference, Veena Raleigh, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund, said:

‘Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as stroke are largely preventable, yet they remain a leading cause of disability, mortality and health inequalities in England. An estimated one in six people will have a stroke during their lifetime. This has a significant impact on those people and their families, and also heaps pressure on the health and care system.

‘The heavy burden of stroke on the health and care system can be reduced substantially if readily available, cost-effective interventions for CVD prevention and treatment are widely deployed. It is therefore welcome to see early evidence of the life-saving potential of a wider roll-out of blood-thinners to those most at risk of a stroke in NHS England’s announcement today. This needs to be part of a wider package of measure to prevent deaths from CVD. As well as steps taken by the NHS, such as improving waiting times for diagnostics and treatment, there should also be cross-government action to reduce risk factors, such as obesity, smoking and drinking.’

Notes to editors

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity, disability, mortality and health inequalities in England. Here is a link to our report ‘Cardiovascular disease in England: supporting leaders to take actions’, written by Veena Raleigh, which details what the health and care system can do to prevent CVDs.

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The King's Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and care in England. We help to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; develop individuals, teams and organisations; promote understanding of the health and social care system; and bring people together to learn, share knowledge and debate. Our vision is that the best possible health and care is available to all.