THE number of people suffering from heart disease and strokes in Scotland dropped again in 2011/12, official figures have shown.
The latest statistics have contributed to the long-term trend for declines in cases of coronary heart disease and strokes over the past decade.
Over the past 10 years coronary heart disease has fallen by 27.3% while strokes have fallen by 21%.
Mortality rates for both conditions have also decreased during the past decade, falling by 43.6% for heart disease, and 45.4% for strokes in men and 39.2% for strokes in women.
Health Secretary Alex Neil said: "These figures show that our strategy for tackling heart disease and stroke is delivering real results for patients.
"It is fantastic that NHS Scotland is continuing to make significant cuts in the number of deaths from heart disease and stroke.
"Our Heart Disease and Stroke Action Plan sets out a comprehensive programme for further reducing deaths at whatever age from both heart disease and stroke."
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