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 (3.8%) is higher than England (3.0%) (2021/22). In Blackburn with Darwen the rate is 3.4 whilst in Blackpool it is 4.4.
• The prevalence of hypertension (all ages) in the Lancashire-12 area (15.5%) is higher than England (14%) (2021/22), this is increasing. Blackburn with Darwen is 13.9 and Blackpool is 17.9
• The prevalence of stroke is 2.1% for Lancashire which is higher than for England (1.8%), this is increasing.

Premature mortality from CVD

All rates are directly standardised and are for 100,000 of the population for those aged under-75 years (2021).

• The rate of premature mortality from all CVD in the Lancashire-12 area (88.5 per 100,000 persons) is significantly higher than England (76.0). Blackpool (133.9) and Blackburn with Darwen (127.2) are also significantly higher. 
• At a district level, for all persons, Preston (130.1), Burnley (114.6) and Hyndburn (98.0) are all significantly higher than England (76.0). The other nine Lancashire-12 districts are similar to England, with Ribble Valley (57.8) having the lowest rate. 
• For males only, the rate of premature mortality from all CVD in Lancashire-12 (120.5), is significantly higher than England (107.7). Blackpool (204.2) and Blackburn with Darwen (168.5) are also significantly higher.
• For males at a district level, Preston (168.4), Burnley (156.4) and Hyndburn (148.0) are significantly higher compared to England; the other nine districts are similar to England, with Ribble Valley (88.2) having the lowest rate.
• For females, the rate of premature mortality from all CVD in Lancashire-12 (57.8), is significantly higher than England (46.1). Blackburn with Darwen (86.0) is also significantly higher, Blackpool (63.2) is similar.
• At a district level Preston (92.1), Burnley (74.0), West Lancashire (70.3) and Chorley (66.2) are significantly higher, with the other nine districts being similar, the Ribble Valley rate cannot be calculated as the number of cases is too small.

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 June 2023