Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Cardiovascular Disease: Prevention

13 February 2025 · 7 other contributors · 10,916 words

Opened by Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Responding minister: Stephen Kinnock

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jim Shannon raised concerns about cardiovascular disease: prevention in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Over 7.6 million people in the UK are living with heart and circulatory diseases, leading to a quarter of all deaths annually.
  • The number of people dying before age 75 from cardiovascular disease has reached its highest level since 2010.
  • The Minister acknowledged that progress in reducing premature deaths from CVD stalled between 2010 and 2024.

Key requests to Government

The MP seeks reassurance that the Government will take action to stop the reversal of progress and address the challenges related to high prevalence of risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, limited physical activity, air pollution, and smoking. He calls for a deeply embedded system-wide approach with sustainable funding and use of latest technologies.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Over 7.6 million people are living with heart and circulatory diseases in the United Kingdom, leading to a quarter of all deaths annually. The prevalence is set to increase by 1 million by 2030 and 2 million by 2040 due to an aging population, high risk factors, and improved survival from major CVD events. The number of people dying before age 75 with CVD has risen to its highest level since 2010, while health inequalities have increased, with those in deprived areas twice as likely to die from CVD.

Other contributors (7)
  • Alison Bennett Lab Mid Sussex

    Alison Bennett congratulates Jim Shannon on his detailed speech and emphasises the importance of prevention and early intervention to reduce the burden on the NHS and save lives. Addressed shocking health disparities and the impact of 14 years of Tory neglect, highlighting the importance of better food and school meals to improve public health.

  • David Mundell in the Chair

    Called for an apology from the Minister due to starting the debate late.

  • Evans SNP Glasgow South West

    Expressed concern that some questions raised by his party have not been addressed during the debate and suggested writing letters to the Minister.

  • Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth

    Pays tribute to hon. Member for Strangford, highlights the importance of early detection in reducing premature deaths due to cardiovascular disease, acknowledges his role as a GP and public health progress made by the last government.

  • Jas Athwal Lab Gillingham and Rainham

    Jas Athwal speaks from personal experience about the importance of early detection. He mentions a community-based study that used handheld echocardiogram devices to screen local people, resulting in 22% of those screened being referred for specialist assessments. Shared a personal story illustrating how cardiovascular diseases can be life-threatening even when people think they are healthy. Suggested a wider approach considering planning and advertising issues such as exposure to junk food advertisements, which contribute to heart disease later in life.

  • Sonia Kumar Lab Dudley

    In Dudley alone, 10,000 people are living with heart conditions and circulatory diseases. Sonia Kumar highlights the need for prevention and early intervention, including addressing risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure, and utilising allied health professionals in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular diseases. Spoke powerfully about the real-world experience of vascular and venous disease, emphasizing the need for effective interventions.

  • Stephen Kinnock Lab Blaenau Gwent

    Stated that around 70% of CVD burden is preventable through behaviour changes, early identification, and treatment. He mentioned initiatives like NHS health checks, the Healthier You NHS diabetes prevention programme, and the type 2 path to remission programme. Emphasized the importance of early prevention strategies involving community health initiatives and partnerships with private sectors to change unhealthy habits among young people.

Government Response

Stephen Kinnock

The Minister for Care

Apologised for arriving late and stated that it was completely unacceptable, expressing embarrassment and dissatisfaction with the situation. Acknowledged the significant progress made in reducing premature deaths from CVD by previous Labour Governments, but noted that progress stalled between 2010 and 2024. The Government is committed to helping everyone live a healthy life longer through fundamental reform of healthcare delivery, focusing on prevention and early identification of risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and smoking.

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