Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of death in the United Kingdom.

More than 270,000 heart attacks occur each year, and of these patients, about 43% die within 28 days of their heart attack.

Of these deaths, about 75% occur within 24 hours. The outcome for many patients can also mean long-term cardiac illness - about 1.5 million people in the UK have angina and 760,000 people have heart failure.

This gives some idea of the enormity of the task facing those health professionals involved in cardiac care.

There has been exciting progress made in cardiac care, although many areas need urgent attention to allow initiatives to develop and deliver a uniform service across the country.

The British Heart Foundation is heavily involved in research and patient information and advice.