In 2002-04, Merthyr Tydfil had a significantly higher rate of death from Coronary Heart Disease [CHD] compared to the Wales average.
For men, the average annual number of deaths in Merthyr Tydfil LHB due to coronary heart disease has decreased by 32% from 93 in 1996-98 to 63 in 2003-05. Over the same period the equivalent number of deaths in Wales decreased by 21%.
For women, the average annual number of deaths in Merthyr Tydfil LHB due to coronary heart disease has decreased by more than 25% from 82 in 1996-98 to 61 in 2003-05. Over the same period the equivalent number of deaths in Wales decreased by almost 21%
Deaths from Coronary Heart Disease are reducing year on year but it still remains one of the leading causes of premature death (under 65 years). The risk increases with age and is greater in men than women. Coronary heart disease is largely preventable and is often a result of risk factors that include; smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, unhealthy diet and low levels of physical activity.
Stroke
Death from stroke is higher in Merthyr Tydfil than the Wales average.
Many of the causes of stroke are the same as those for heart disease, namely smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, unhealthy diet and low levels of physical activity