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Men's Health Week 9th to 15th May
Heart Disease in the UK
Heart Disease in the UK
Heart and circulatory diseases are one of the UK’s most urgent health crises, affecting over 7.6 million people—more than those living with cancer and Alzheimer’s combined. That’s a staggering reminder of how widespread and serious these conditions truly are.
bhf-cvd-statistics-uk-factsheet.pdf
The Bigger Picture
The Bigger Picture
26% of all UK deaths are caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD)—that’s around 174,000 lives lost each year, or one every three minutes 1.
Over 49,000 people under 75 die prematurely from heart and circulatory diseases annually 1.
Heart Health Differences
Heart Health Differences
Men generally maintain slightly higher heart health scores than women across all age groups 2. However, women experience a sharp decline in heart health during menopause, particularly between the ages of 50 and 59, due to hormonal changes that affect cholesterol, blood pressure, and vascular function
Men vs. Women: A Closer Look
Men vs. Women: A Closer Look
Mortality Rates
Mortality Rates
Heart disease doesn’t affect everyone equally, and the differences between men and women are striking.
For men, coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death, claiming the lives of 1 in 8. Despite growing awareness, many men still underestimate their risk, often delaying diagnosis and treatment.
For women, CHD is just as deadly—1 in 14 women die from it. Yet it’s often overshadowed by other health concerns like breast cancer, even though CHD kills more than twice as many women. Alarmingly, many women experience symptoms differently from men, leading to underdiagnoses or misdiagnosis. Most deaths occur before the age of 75, making early awareness and prevention critical.
Key Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Key Risk Factors for Heart Disease
While some risk factors are shared, others affect men and women differently:
Shared Risk Factors
Shared Risk Factors
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Poor diet
Excessive alcohol consumption
Chronic stress
🚹 Men-Specific Considerations
🚹 Men-Specific Considerations
Tend to develop heart disease earlier in life
More likely to experience classic symptoms like chest pain
Often delay seeking medical help
🚺 Women-Specific Considerations
🚺 Women-Specific Considerations
Risk increases significantly after menopause
More likely to experience atypical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, nausea, jaw pain)
Underdiagnosed and undertreated due to symptom differences and gender bias in healthcare
Heart Disease Doesn’t Affect Everyone Equally
Heart Disease Doesn’t Affect Everyone Equally
While heart disease is a leading cause of death across the UK, not everyone faces the same level of risk, and not everyone receives the same level of care.
People living in deprived communities are significantly more likely to suffer from poor heart health, die young from cardiovascular disease (CVD), and face barriers to accessing timely, effective treatment. This is often due to higher rates of smoking, obesity, and limited access to preventive healthcare. In fact, GP practices in these areas often have fewer doctors despite larger patient loads
Women face their own set of challenges. Although coronary heart disease kills more than twice as many women as breast cancer, it’s still widely under-recognised as a women’s health issue. Women are more likely to be misdiagnosed, receive lower-quality treatment, and experience atypical symptoms that are often overlooked
Ethnic minorities, particularly South Asian and Black communities, also face higher rates of heart disease and its risk factors. Yet, poor data collection and systemic gaps in healthcare access mean these disparities
Heart Disease Is Preventable—But Awareness Is Key
Heart Disease Is Preventable—But Awareness Is Key
Despite being one of the UK’s leading causes of death, heart disease is largely preventable. With early detection, healthier lifestyle choices, and better access to care, thousands of lives could be saved every year.
But progress is still held back by stigma, gender bias, and unequal access to healthcare. Women, for example, are more likely to be misdiagnosed or under-treated, and awareness of heart disease in women remains dangerously low.
What Can Help Prevent Heart Disease?
What Can Help Prevent Heart Disease?
Know your numbers: Regularly check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Eat heart-healthy: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Quit smoking: Smoking doubles your risk of heart disease.
Limit alcohol: Stick to recommended guidelines.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease.
Get regular check-ups: Especially if you have a family history or other risk factors.
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