Men's Health Facts

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death in the UK.  Around one in five men and one in six women die from the disease.  CHD causes around 101,000 deaths in the UK each year. 

CHD is also the most common cause of premature deaths in the UK, 20% of premature deaths in men and 11% of premature deaths in women were from CHD.  CHD caused almost 33,000 premature deaths in the UK in 2005.

People are more at risk of CHD the older they get or if there is a family history of CHD.  These risk factors cannot be changed but there are many risk factors around lifestyle that can be changed which helps reduce the risk of CHD

Some of the risk factors:

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Eating the wrong foods
• No regular exercise
• Stress

By taking these into account the risk of CHD can be reduced significantly.

Reports

CHD statistical information (ISD Scotland)

Keep yourself healthy: a guide to having a healthy heart (NHS Health Scotland)

Useful links

Information Services Division (NHS Scotland)

British Heart Foundation