Heart and circulatory disease, also known as cardiovascular disease (CVD), causes a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is the largest cause of premature mortality in the most deprived areas. 

This is the single biggest area where the NHS can save lives over the next 10 years.

CVD is largely preventable, early detection and treatment of CVD can help patients live longer, healthier lives. Too many people are still living with undetected, high-risk conditions such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation (AF).

For the Black Country and West Birmingham there are:

• An estimated 32,683 people living with AF 
• An estimated 350,498 people living with high blood pressure 
• An estimated 92,300 people living with high cholesterol

Using the ICS CVD Prevention Value Framework, CCGs across the Black Country & West Birmingham will identify more people with heart conditions or risk factors such as high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation early, through more effective NHS Health Checks, working with community groups, and equipping NHS staff and others with technology allowing tests to be done quickly and easily.

• Increase detection of AF, BP and Cholesterol (ABC)
• Improve primary care management of AF, BP and Cholesterol
• Physical activity as intervention to reduce CVD risk
• Reduce the gap in amenable CVD deaths between most and least deprived areas