 Heart disease rates in Scotland are higher than anywhere else in the UK |
The number of people admitted to hospitals in Scotland with angina and chest pain has soared in the past 10 years, according to statistics. A study carried out for the BMJ looked at hospital admissions in Scotland from 1990 to 2000.
Cases of angina increased by 79% and those suffering from other heart complaints rose by 110%.
The researchers warned that the rising number was placing the NHS under financial stress.
More people in Scotland die from heart disease than in any other part of the UK.
The increase in angina cases, from 59 to 105 per 100,000 people has concerned researchers, who say the NHS is struggling to cope with the upsurge.
However, the number of heart attack patient admissions fell by a third, from 260 to 173 per 100,000 people. The study's authors said the drop in heart attack admissions was in line with other countries, but contrasted sharply with the rise in angina and chest pain.
They said: "The increase in hospitalisations for angina and chest pain has enormous implications for resources, finances and service."
Diagnosis rate
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) said the rising number of angina cases was offset by the decrease in other heart complaint patients.
BHF director Dr Tim Bowker said: "Overall, this is a good news story, not a bad one.
"The rise in hospital admissions in Scotland for angina is offset by the fall in admissions for heart attack.
"Taking the two together, there was actually a 13% fall in confirmed coronary heart disease (CHD) admissions.
"Today's statistics probably mean that, in Scotland, CHD patients are being spotted earlier, thereby being diagnosed with angina before suffering a heart attack. This is encouraging progress in the battle to prevent premature deaths from CHD."
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Overall, this is a good news story, not a bad one 
