Heart disease death rate falls by 50%

HEART disease death rates have been cut by more than half in the past two decades, with targets set in the 1990s for a reduction in the death rate being met.

However, better drugs and therapies are needed to ensure that those who are living with heart disease can manage the long-term conditions. The smoking ban, more defibrillators, new cardiovascular medical posts and a fourfold increase in prescribing cardiovascular medication are among the reasons for the improvement in heart death figures.

The news was confirmed by a review of progress in improving heart health and treatment for coronary heart disease (CHD), published yesterday by the Health Service Executive (HSE).