Transforming cardiac care pathways in line with the NHS 10 Year Health Plan
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the NHS today.
The burden of CVD is not evenly distributed; people living in the most deprived areas are almost twice as likely to die from CVD compared to those in the least deprived.2 Individuals with severe mental illness face even greater challenges, with a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular conditions.2
Over 8,000,000 people in the UK are estimated to be living with heart and circulatory disease, resulting in 170,000 deaths a year and an annual cost to the economy of £29 billion.1 This contributes to a staggering one in four premature deaths.2
Delivering the NHS Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan
The NHS Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England has set a mission to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and strokes by 25 per cent within the next decade.3
To do this, the NHS has committed to introducing modern service frameworks, which will support more consistent delivery of high quality, evidence-based, digital care to improve both quality and productivity.3 Early detection will undoubtedly play a part in this, helping to enhance the standard of CVD care for patients.
At the same time, the NHS continues to face workforce constraints and increasing patient volumes, resulting in long waiting times. In 2024 alone, demand for CT and MRI increased by 8 per cent, yet the radiology workforce grew by only 4.7 per cent.4
For patients, delays in diagnosis can mean weeks or months of uncertainty, repeated appointments, and slower access to reassurance or treatment. In some cases, it can also result in unnecessary hospital admissions while patients wait for a definitive diagnosis.
Creating a more streamlined pathway will improve early access to cardiac CT, allowing clinicians to quickly distinguish between patients with no coronary disease, those who need preventative treatment, and those who need more urgent intervention.
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On-demand Webinar: An Introduction to Heart Health and the Prevention of CHD
"I won’t get Cardiovascular Disease, will I?"
Many of us assume heart disease won’t affect us; but cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
In this session, we break down the basics of heart health, explore the risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), and discuss simple, powerful ways to protect your heart through lifestyle changes. Whether you're looking to better understand your personal risk or take proactive steps toward prevention, this introduction will give you practical tools to build a healthier future.
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What to expect
Understand the scale of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Key facts and statistics that show why CHD remains a major health issue — and why prevention matters now more than ever.
Learn what CHD really is
A clear explanation of how CHD develops in the body and how it can affect everyday health and wellbeing.
Explore the causes — without blame or judgement
An honest look at the factors that increase CHD risk, including weight, stress, and lifestyle — handled sensitively and realistically.
Take away practical actions you can start today
Five simple, achievable steps to reduce your CHD risk, covering movement, habits, stress, alcohol, and long‑term heart health.
Who should watch
Radiographers & Radiologists
Cardiologists
Service Managers
Anyone interested in understanding more about CHD
On-demand webinar: An Introduction to Heart Health and the Prevention of CHD
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1British Heart Foundation (2024). UK Cardiovascular Disease Factsheet – January 2026. 2NHS England. Cardiovascular Disease Programme. 3NHS England (2025). Medium Term Planning Framework 2026/27–2028/29. 4Royal College of Radiologists (2025). Staff shortages are a ‘ticking time bomb’ for cancer patients.