Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), sometimes referred to as circulatory diseases, are diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease (CHD), heart attack and stroke. CVD is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, brain or body caused by atheroma or thrombosis and is common in people aged over 60.  

The main causes of CVD are tobacco use, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and harmful alcohol use. The Covid-19 pandemic has also had a massive impact on people and their health. This includes later presentation with non-Covid-19 symptoms for investigation, cancellations to appointments and longer waits to see specialists. Some people may also be reluctant to address concerns or attend GP practices due to fear of catching Covid-19. These missed diagnoses mean that treatment may be delayed or doesn't happen.

People with underlying CVD are more likely to be at risk of complications from Covid-19. While evidence suggests mitigating risk from Covid-19 through promoting a healthy lifestyle, stopping smoking, and engaging with vaccination/booster programmes, these approaches may not be accessible or achievable for all, for many reasons. The full effects of the virus will likely be seen in future data releases. For current data on cases and deaths, please see the Government's Coronavirus page. 

Key findings

Any rates quoted are directly standardised and are for 100,000 of the population for the age group stated. 

• The prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD, all persons, all ages) in the Lancashire-12 area (3.7%) is within the 2^nd highest quintile in England (3.0%) (2023/4). In Blackburn with Darwen the prevalence is 3.3% whilst in Blackpool it is 4.3%. Trend data shows no significant change in Blackpool whilst Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire are both seeing a decline, in line with the national trend.
• The prevalence of hypertension (all ages) in the Lancashire-12 area (16.6%) is in the 2^nd highest quintile in England (14.8%) (2023/24), trend data shows that this is increasing locally and nationally. Blackburn with Darwen has a prevalence of 14.6% whilst in Blackpool the prevalence of Hypertension is 18.9%.
• The prevalence of stroke is 2.2% for Lancashire which is in the 2^nd highest quintile in England (1.9%), trend data show this is increasing locally and nationally. Blackburn with Darwen stroke prevalence is 1.7% whilst Blackpool's is 2.5%.

Mortality from CVD 

All rates are directly standardised and are per 100,000 of the population (2023)

• The rate of mortality from all CVD in the Lancashire-12 area in 2023 was (251.1 per 100,000 persons) is statistically significantly worse than England (232.4). Blackpool (295.9) and Blackburn with Darwen (285.6) both also have statistically significantly higher rates of mortality than England. 
• 6 of Lancashire's 12 districts (Burnley, Preston, Rossendale, Hyndburn, Chorley, and Lancaster) have a significantly higher rate of mortality due to CVD when compared with England. Meanwhile the Ribble Valley (175.8) has a significantly lower rate of mortality.

• The mortality rate for both males and females is significantly higher in Lancashire (M-321.0, F-192.6) than England (M-294.2, F-181.2). When compared with England, Burnley, Preston, and Rossendale had higher rates for males whilst Burnley, Hyndburn, and Preston had higher rates for females.

Premature mortality from CVD

All rates are directly standardised and are for 100,000 of the population for those aged under-75 years (2024)

• The rate of premature mortality from all CVD in the Lancashire-12 area (87.1 per 100,000 persons) is statistically significantly worse than England (74.3). Blackpool (138.9) and Blackburn with Darwen (120.3) both also have statistically significantly higher rates of premature mortality than England. 
• 5 of Lancashire's districts (Burnley, Hyndburn, Preston, Pendle, and Lancaster) have a significantly higher rate of premature mortality due to CVD, the highest rate is in Burnley (125.7).
• Premature mortality rates from CVD are both higher in Lancashire when compared with England. 4 districts have a male mortality rate that is higher than England (Burnley, Hyndburn, Preston, and Lancaster), 3 districts have a female mortality rate higher than England (Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn)

The National Cardiovascular Intelligence Network (NCVIN) has produced profiles for cardiovascular disease, related diseases and risk factors, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has some guidance on the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

For county, unitary and other data and further information please see below. Please note, not all indicators will be displayed at this current geographical level. To select the geography you are interested in, click on the down arrow next to 'area type'. To select the districts, choose 'Districts & UA'. 

Page updated November 2025