Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including stroke, are a leading cause of mortality in the UK, contributing to 26% of all deaths in 2023^[1]. The most common form, coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as ischaemic heart disease (IHD), encompasses conditions such as myocardial infarction and heart failure. Cerebrovascular diseases—primarily stroke and transient ischaemic attack—represent the other major category of CVD.

Despite advances in prevention and treatment, significant ethnic disparities in CVD incidence and outcomes persist. South Asian populations, particularly Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups, are disproportionately affected by CHD. These elevated risks are often compounded by a higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic risk factors^[2]. Recent data shows that South Asian groups have almost twice the risk of developing CHD even after accounting for age, gender, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, insulin resistance and related metabolic disturbances^[3].

Stroke disproportionately affects Black populations in the UK, with Black individuals facing a 1.5 to 2.5 times greater risk of stroke compared to White individuals. These disparities are also reflected in the age of onset and outcomes post-stroke, with Black individuals often experiencing strokes at younger ages and with greater severity^[2].

The NHS Race and Health Observatory has prioritised tackling these ethnic inequalities in cardiovascular health. These issues were highlighted in the 2021 rapid evidence review on ethnic disparities in the major causes of mortality and their risk factors, as well as in ongoing national research initiatives aiming to close the gap in cardiovascular outcomes^[4].

Addressing these disparities is essential to achieving equity in cardiovascular care, prevention, and survival outcomes for all ethnic groups in the UK.