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Worldwide cardiovascular disease is by far our biggest killer
22 October 2026
(Last updated: 22 Oct 2026 14:40)
Heart attacks and strokes remain the world’s leading causes of death. The UK government’s Modern Service Framework (MSF) for cardiovascular medicine, published in July 2026, puts prevention first. It aims to find the “missing millions” who don’t know they are at risk. Done well, this could prevent more than 60,000 cardiovascular events and save money for both the NHS and the wider economy.
The framework sets 12 priorities, with three-year and ten-year targets. They include finding and treating high cholesterol, high blood pressure, raised blood sugar, obesity, kidney disease and atrial fibrillation, and reducing unequal care across the country. Specialised stroke care is also a priority. Fewer than half of patients get it now, and the targets are 75% within three years and 85% within ten.
Many high-risk patients are still not on the right cholesterol-lowering treatment. Statins are often given at too low a dose, and patients who can’t tolerate them have often been given nothing else. Other options now exist. Bempedoic acid (CLEAR Outcomes trial), especially when combined with ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors (VESALIUS study) have both shown clear benefits.
Evidence also eases concerns about very low cholesterol. The FOURIER study found that intensive lowering cut strokes without harming brain function. Danish data also link earlier treatment in people with diabetes to lower dementia rates.
The message is simple: check everyone’s cholesterol, assess their risk and offer the right treatment. This will save lives and money.
Read the full article here.
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