BHF comment
40 lives are lost daily to smoking-related cardiovascular disease
There have been around 10,000 smoking-related heart deaths in under a year as Tobacco and Vapes Bill stalls in Parliament. We are therefore calling on the Government to urgently progress the Tobacco and Vapes Bill through Parliament, and warning that 40 lives are lost daily to smoking-related cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Since the Bill was introduced to Parliament on 5 November 2024, there has been an estimated 10,800 smoking-attributable CVD deaths in the UK. Our analysis shows that this figure will continue to rise by around 40 deaths every single day, which is why it is essential that more is done to protect future generations from the harms of smoking.
Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the UK, responsible for at least 15,000 cardiovascular deaths annually. The BHF warns that without decisive action, tobacco-related ill health will continue to devastate families and communities. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to create a smoke-free generation and curb the rise in youth vaping.
Working towards a smoke-free world
We have called for regulations to help drive down deaths from smoking for decades and has been working closely with partners including Action on Smoking and Health and the Smokefree Action Coalition to ensure that the most recent Bill is as effective as possible.
The Bill gives Government powers to phase out tobacco sales for anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 and to restrict vape flavour descriptions and packaging that appeal to children. The Bill aims to expand smokefree places to outside schools, playgrounds and hospitals.
We are now urging the Government to prioritise the Bill’s passage through Parliament swiftly and resist any attempts to weaken its provisions.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive, said: “It is shocking that smoking still takes so many lives across the UK, and tough measures must be taken to ensure future generations don’t die early because of tobacco. We urge politicians of all parties to back this Bill and get it enshrined in law quickly so it can help stop more preventable tragedies.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to prevent more families from going through that heartbreak which is why we need to see the Bill passed as a matter of urgency."
What does smoking do to the heart?
Smoking seriously harms heart health by making artery walls sticky, which causes fatty deposits to build up and narrow the arteries which raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It also increases blood pressure, heart rate and the likelihood of blood clots, while reducing the amount of oxygen the heart and body receive.
People living in deprived communities are significantly more likely to smoke, which contributes to higher rates of heart disease and premature death.
Smoking is the single largest driver of health inequalities in England, accounting for up to half the difference in life expectancy between the most and least deprived areas, due to its strong link with cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as the compounding effects of poverty and stress.
A tale of hope from Darren
Darren Dale, a 50-year-old barber from Nantwich, smoked up to 20 cigarettes a day for 30 years before quitting in 2021 after experiencing breathlessness and recurring chest pains.
Despite leading an active lifestyle and eating healthily, he was diagnosed with severe heart disease, which he was told had been significantly worsened by smoking. In April 2025, surgeons at Manchester’s North West Heart Centre performed a triple heart bypass after discovering his arteries were 90% blocked, warning he had narrowly avoided a fatal heart attack.
Darren was told he had already had multiple undiagnosed heart attacks in the past, only revealed through a 24-hour ECG at Leighton Hospital in Crewe.
He credits his recovery to the lifesaving care he received and now hopes his experience will encourage others to give up smoking, take their heart health seriously and seek help early if they have any worrying symptoms.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be here,” said Darren. “Smoking had a huge impact on my heart which nearly killed me, and I want others to know the risks before it’s too late.”