The plan - Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Plan for Wales: An ABCD Plus Approach - uses modelling data to demonstrate the 'huge' potential benefits of supporting as many people as possible with their CVD risk factors, including managing their blood pressure and cholesterol, their risk of developing diabetes, their weight, and supporting them to stop smoking as needed.

It demonstrates that if around 17,000 patients were supported to bring their blood pressure under control, then 102 heart attacks and 152 strokes would be prevented. However, if around 70,000 more patients could have their blood pressure controlled, then it would avoid 419 heart attacks and 626 strokes.

CVD causes 27% of all deaths in Wales, as well as disabilities like paralysis, dementia and reduced mobility, and is a huge financial burden on society, costing the NHS in Wales £770m a year.

Dr Amrita Jesurasa, consultant in public health for Public Health Wales, said: ‘Our new prevention plan puts the person at the centre of their care, recognising that people are likely to have more than one cardiovascular risk. For example, if someone has high blood pressure, healthcare providers need to be able to take every opportunity to also manage the person's cholesterol, their risk of developing diabetes, their weight, and support them to stop smoking as needed. 

‘In addition, it will reduce the financial burden of heart attacks and strokes – CVD costs the overall Welsh economy up to £1.6bn every year in premature death, disability, and long-term care, so it's in everyone's interest to do everything we can to help people to live longer, healthier lives and reduce these costs to the economy.

‘By preventing CVD we will also make big strides in reducing health inequalities in Wales as well, as the prevalence of CVD is significantly higher in the most deprived areas, and causes more severe outcomes including hospitalisations and fatalities. It's an opportunity that can't be missed.'

Dr Jonathan Goodfellow, national clinical lead at Wales Cardiovascular Disease Network, added: ‘Wales faces a significant health challenge, the growing burden of cardiovascular disease, which particularly affects the most deprived communities and drives health inequalities. 

‘A focus on prevention is urgently needed, targeting the most deprived populations and those most at risk of CVD, to improve quality of life and reduce the burden of CVD disease on our NHS.'