§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many deaths were attributable to heart disease in Wales in 1985, 1990 and 1991; what proposals he has to reduce heart disease in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe number of deaths to residents of Wales in 1985, 1990 and 1991, where the underlying cause of death was ischaemic heart disease—ICD 9th revision 410–414—was 10,265, 9,438 and 9,541 respectively (Source: Office of Population Censuses and Surveys).
In March 1985, Heartbeat Wales was launched as a national demonstration project to combat coronary heart disease. The project has since been subsumed into the comprehensive work programme of the Health Promotion Authority for Wales.
Additionally, in May 1991, the Welsh Health Planning Forum published advice to the NHS in Wales in the form of a protocol for investment in health gain in cardiovascular diseases. The protocol identifies where further investment could bring worthwhile health gain and indicates where current practices might be improved and redirection of funds might be considered. It is a key input in the production of local strategies for health by health authorities.