Cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, kill 1 in 4 people in the UK, according to the British Heart Foundation.

It is a leading cause of death and premature death (death under 70 years) and is more common in deprived communities. It is the biggest contributor to the inequality in life expectancy between males in deprived and non-deprived areas in Kent and England, and the second biggest contributor in females.

See also our pages on kidney disease, diabetes and health checks.

Some of the reports on this page may not be suitable for users for assistive technology. Request an accessible format .

Our resources

Data and reports

A comprehensive Health Needs Assessment of hypertension is currently being developed for publication in early 2027. This analytical briefing provides an evidence-based overview of the epidemiology of hypertension in Kent and Medway to help inform that work. Hypertension is a growing public health challenge, with prevalence rising and expected to increase further as the population ages. Significant inequalities exist, with higher rates and poorer outcomes among people living in deprived communities and those from Black ethnic groups. Hypertension is also strongly associated with other long-term conditions, particularly chronic kidney disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the importance of prevention, early identification and effective management.

Additional information can be found in our Health and Social Care Maps self-serve tool. We are constantly developing this resource in response to your feedback.

We have produced a literature review on measures of independence for stroke survivors.

We have also produced an evidence review of hyperacute stroke units (PDF, 1.5 MB) and a stroke profile for Kent & Medway (PDF, 2.4 MB) examining the current need and possible future demand on stroke services.

External resources

A number of organisations produce statistics on cardiovascular disease both at national and local level.

The OHID produce a range of resources on cardiovascular disease, including disease profiles and primary care intelligence packs.
Office for National Statistics (ONS) provide mortality statistics, which include mortality from coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes.
The Public Health Outcomes Framework also provides some mortality data.
The National General Practice Profiles present a range of data, including prevalence estimates.
The OHID Health Profiles provide snapshot overviews of health for local areas, and include some data on diabetes prevalence and premature mortality rates.
The National Clinical Audit programme provides information on standards of healthcare being achieved for heart disease and stroke.