Introduction

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the single most common cause of premature death in the UK. The research evidence relating to the management of CHD is well established and if implemented can reduce the risk of death from CHD and improve the quality of life for patients [1].

CHD is sometimes called ischaemic heart disease or coronary artery disease. The main symptoms of coronary heart disease are:

• chest pain (angina)
• shortness of breath
• pain in your neck, shoulders, jaw or arms
• feeling faint
• feeling sick (nausea)

But not everyone has the same symptoms and some people may not have any before coronary heart disease is diagnosed [2].

Coronary heart disease cannot be cured but treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the chances of problems such as heart attacks. Treatment can include:

• lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and stopping smoking
• medicines
• angioplasty – where balloons and stents are used to treat narrow heart arteries
• surgery [2].

Data Overview

Latest data (2023/24) reveals that 7,701 people in Oldham are living with Coronary Heart Disease. This represents 2.9% of the population, similar to the national average of 3% and lower than the North West rate of 3.4%. Oldham's rate is 15% lower compared to 2012/13 figures, meaning almost 500 fewer people have CHD. Rates have also decreased nationally, although to a lesser degree (-9%). Oldham has the 3rd lowest rate across Greater Manchester. Exploring rates by GP practice shows large differences. Oak Gables Medical Practice has the highest rate at 4.3% and The Duru Practice has the lowest rate at 0.9%. Some of these differences may be attributable to the age differences of patients at each practice and should be interpreted with this in mind.

Figure 1: Coronary Heart Disease (QOF Prevalence all age) trend
Source: NHS England

Figure 2: Coronary Heart Disease (QOF Prevalence all age) across Greater Manchester
Source: NHS England

Figure 3: Coronary Heart Disease (QOF Prevalence all age) by Oldham GP practice
Source: NHS England

Further Information & Resources

NHS Coronary Heart Disease
An overview on the NHS website relating to symptoms, causes and treatments of Coronary Heart Disease.

British Heart Foundation
Information about Coronary Heart Disease from the British Heart Foundation.

References

[1] OHID Data Profiles, https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/cardiovascular/data#page/6/gid/1938133108/pat/221/par/nE54000057/ati/66/are/nE38000135/iid/273/age/1/sex/4/cat/-1/ctp/-1/yrr/1/cid/4/tbm/1/page-options/car-do-0, accessed January 2025.
[2] NHS Coronary Heart Disease, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/#:~:text=Coronary heart disease is the,furred up with fatty deposits., accesses January 2025.