Northern Ireland’s Hearts Need More

We cannot let Northern Ireland fall behind on heart health

Cardiovascular disease remains one of Northern Ireland’s leading causes of death. In 2024 around 1,300 people, nearly one-third of those who lost their lives to cardiovascular disease, were under the age of 75. This is the highest number of premature cardiovascular deaths since 2010.

At the same time Northern Ireland is facing record numbers of adults living with cardiovascular disease and many of the risk factors which can cause it — including coronary heart disease, stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA), high blood pressure and diabetes.

Prevention must become a political priority

There needs to be a stronger focus and commitment to prevention and early intervention.

Around 70% of Northern Ireland’s cardiovascular burden is associated with modifiable risk factors, which are often preventable. Reducing these risks requires action from policymakers, the health and care system, and individuals.

The next Northern Ireland Executive has an opportunity to change this trajectory. With bolder public health interventions, BHF Northern Ireland estimates that up to 500 of these premature deaths could be prevented each year.

Report findings

1. Tackling obesity

Around two-thirds of adults in Northern Ireland are living with overweight or obesity. More than 1 in 4 children are already living with overweight or obesity, and rates are significantly higher in the most deprived communities.

BHF Northern Ireland are calling for legislation to restrict price and location-based promotions of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS), helping to create healthier food environments and make healthy choices easier.

2. Creating a smoke-free generation

Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of ill health and premature death in Northern Ireland and contributes to over 400 cardiovascular deaths every year.

BHF Northern Ireland are calling on the Northern Ireland Executive to fully implement the Tobacco and Vapes Act, develop a new Tobacco Control Strategy and commit to making Northern Ireland a smokefree society by 2035.

3. Cardiovascular Risk Factor Management programme

Rising rates of obesity and diabetes, and high levels of undiagnosed or poorly managed cholesterol and blood pressure are continuing to drive avoidable heart attacks and strokes across Northern Ireland.

BHF Northern Ireland is calling for a dedicated Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Management programme to systematically identify, assess and support people to manage their risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The public supports action

A poll commissioned by British Heart Foundation found that only 1 in 5 people believe the Northern Ireland Executive is doing enough to prevent cardiovascular disease deaths.

However, there was broad support for actions to prevent cardiovascular diseases across Northern Ireland:

• 78% support Northern Ireland becoming a smoke-free society.
• 70% support restrictions on promotions for foods high in fat, salt and sugar.
• 86% support smoke-free playgrounds.
• 81% support smoke-free areas around schools.

The public supports prevention. Now policymakers must act.

Northern Ireland’s hearts need more action

The next Programme for Government must include a commitment to reduce premature deaths from cardiovascular disease. To achieve this, the next Executive must take action to reduce obesity and smoking rates and establish a dedicated Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Management programme.

We’re calling on all political parties to commit to these priorities in their 2027 Assembly election manifestos and to ensure that they’re delivered within the next Programme for Government.