Contents
Foreword
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the biggest causes of premature death, disability and health inequalities, within Camden and across England. Yet it is also one of the areas where we have the greatest opportunity to improve health outcomes through prevention and early action. Many heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular conditions can be prevented, delayed or better managed if risk factors are identified and addressed before serious illness occurs.
The NHS 10 Year Plan and recent publication of the Department of Health and Social Care’s Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework sets out an ambitious goal to reduce 25% of early deaths from cardiovascular disease over the next decade. Central to this vision is the challenge of finding the “missing millions” of people living with undiagnosed or poorly controlled cardiovascular risk factors. The framework is clear that earlier detection, timely intervention and reducing inequalities must be at the heart of our efforts.
These priorities are highly relevant for Camden. Cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are often symptomless for many years, yet they remain among the leading causes of heart attacks and strokes. The burden of these conditions is not shared equally, as shown in the data in this report. Men experience poorer outcomes than women, as do those living in the most deprived areas of Camden, and global ethnic majority communities. Improving heart health therefore offers an opportunity not only to prevent illness, but also to narrow some of the stark health inequalities that persist within our borough, particularly among men, where it is the by far the biggest driver of the life expectancy gap between Camden’s most affluent and deprived areas.
This year’s Annual Public Health Report explores heart health through the lens of prevention and early detection. We begin by outlining what heart health means, the major cardiovascular conditions affecting our population, and the risk factors for cardiovascular disease across the life course. We then consider the national, regional and local policy context, and examine the data for Camden, highlighting the patterns of disease, risk factors and inequalities across the borough. Finally, we take a deeper look at the evidence and opportunities for improving early detection, including the role of NHS Health Checks, pharmacies, primary care case-finding, community outreach, public campaigns and other approaches that can help us reach residents earlier and more effectively.
Camden has many strengths on which to build: engaged communities, strong partnerships, innovative services and a growing focus on hyperlocal and neighbourhood-based approaches to health and wellbeing. By combining these strengths with a renewed focus on prevention, early detection and equitable access to care, we have an opportunity to improve cardiovascular health outcomes for current and future generations.
I hope this report helps stimulate discussion, strengthens collaboration across organisations and communities, and supports collective action to improve heart health for everyone in Camden.
Kirsten Watters FFPH
Director of Health and Wellbeing