Heart disease deaths soar to highest level in more than a decade

The rate at which people are dying from heart disease before the age of 75 has risen to its highest in more 10 years.

It is the first reversal in the downward trend for almost six decades.

The British Heart Foundation says since 2020 the death toll has risen. In 2022 the rate stood at 80 per 100,000 in England, the highest since it was 83 in 2011.

Over 39,000 people in 2022 died of heart disease – including heart attacks, coronary heart disease and strokes.

That amounts to 750 a week and the highest annual total since 2008.

Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, at the BHF, said: “Every part of the system providing heart care is damaged, from prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.” But NHS England said: “Thousands more are being supported to manage their condition than before the pandemic, reducing the likelihood of heart attack or stroke.”