§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the incidence of heart disease in Northern Ireland in 1990, 1989, 1988 and 1987; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamMortality rates for the four most recent years for which figures are available are given in the following table. Morbidity incidence figures are not available.
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Age standardised death rates from ischaemic heart disease per 100,000 population aged 40–69 years Year Male Female 1986 557 169 1987 497 155 1988 512 175 1989 461 155 It is encouraging to note that deaths from heart disease are on a definite downward trend having fallen by around 25 per cent. over the last 10 years. The Government's "Change of Heart" coronary prevention programme, launched in October 1986, aims to ensure that the reduction in mortality continues over the next decade.