The King's Fund responds to the British Heart Foundation report on CVD

Commenting on new research from the British Heart Foundation on inequalities in premature CVD deaths, Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, said:

‘Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as stroke and heart disease are largely preventable, yet they remain a leading cause of disability and death, with CVD causing one in four deaths in England. As this report, and our own work, shows, the burden of CVD does not fall equally, with people in the poorest parts of the country much more likely to die from a cardiovascular disease.

‘The heavy toll of CVD on the health and care system, the economy, and the people and families it affects can be reduced substantially if readily available, cost-effective interventions for CVD prevention and treatment are widely deployed.   

'Tackling the CVD challenge will require improved access to NHS diagnosis and treatment, particularly in deprived communities. But to really get at the root causes, there needs to be a wider package of national measures, including bold, cross-government action to reduce risk factors such as smoking, drinking, poor diet and lack of exercise.’ 

Notes to editors

Find out more about our election priority on tackling the biggest risk factors here: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/briefings/tackling-risk-factors-affecting-peoples-health

Our report on ‘Poverty taking a heavy toll on UK’s health and NHS services’ can be found here:  The Relationship Between Poverty And NHS Services | The King's Fund (kingsfund.org.uk)

Our CVD report can be found here: Cardiovascular disease in England: supporting leaders to take actions (kingsfund.org.uk)

For further information, or to request an interview, please contact the Press and Public Affairs team on 020 7307 2585. 

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.