New data from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) reveals a troubling reversal in the UK’s heart health. For the first time in decades, cardiovascular disease deaths are increasing among adults under 65, reversing years of steady progress.
People born after 1960 are now more likely to die from heart-related conditions than previous generations. Analysis shows that the rate of cardiovascular deaths among working-age adults (20 to 64) has climbed from 49 per 100,000 in 2019 to 55 per 100,000 in 2023. This marks the first sustained rise in over 50 years, with total deaths in this group jumping 18% from 18,693 to 21,975—equivalent to approximately 420 deaths each week.
Cardiovascular disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including heart attacks, strokes, coronary heart disease, and heart failure. Once on a steady decline since the 1960s, thanks to medical innovations, research breakthroughs, and reduced smoking rates, these deaths now pose a growing concern.
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Experts at BHF describe the trend as “worrying,” though the exact causes remain unclear. Contributing factors may include a rise in unhealthy lifestyles, widening health inequalities, the lingering impact of COVID-19, unprecedented pressures on the NHS, and obesity rates.
In response, the BHF has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at combating cardiovascular disease in the UK. Dr Charmaine Griffiths, the BHF’s Chief Executive, emphasized the need for urgent action: “This decade has started as the worst for heart health in half a century, but we stand at the threshold of incredible scientific opportunities to reverse this trend.”
She added, “By spearheading cutting-edge research and rallying support from governments and partners, we aim to save countless lives and spare families from the tragedy of losing loved ones prematurely.”
The charity is calling on UK governments to implement policies prioritizing heart health and tackle the root causes of this decline. Alongside advocacy, the BHF plans to expand funding for research and public health initiatives to better understand and prevent cardiovascular disease.
These findings underscore a critical moment for public health in the UK, highlighting the urgency to address heart disease risks, especially among younger populations.