The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England launched the Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework on 7 July 2026, setting 12 priorities for the next three years to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke.
The framework applies across health and care services in England and supports the government’s ambition to cut premature deaths from heart disease and stroke by 25% over the next decade. It focuses on prevention, earlier diagnosis, faster treatment and more consistent care.
The announcement also includes a new partnership with Diabetes UK to raise public awareness of the links between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The Department of Health and Social Care said more than four million people in the UK have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with a further 1.3 million thought to be living with it undiagnosed.
Government Launches Cardiovascular Disease Framework
The Department of Health and Social Care said the Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework will guide local health and care systems as they work to reduce early deaths from heart disease and strokes. The framework is linked to the government’s 10 Year Health Plan and its shift from treating illness to preventing it.
The department said cardiovascular disease is connected to one in four early deaths, while heart and circulatory disease causes a death in the UK every three minutes. The framework sets a national direction for prevention, treatment and recovery while leaving delivery to local systems working with NHS services, councils and community partners.
- National aim: reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke by 25% over the next decade.
- Initial delivery: establish 12 immediate priorities for local systems over the next three years.
- Health pressure: tackle preventable cardiovascular disease linked to risk factors including high blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking.
Plan Targets Prevention, Diagnosis And Treatment
The framework sets out action to find people with high-risk conditions earlier, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and heart failure. It also aims to improve management and personalised care so more people can stay healthier for longer.
For urgent care, the Department of Health and Social Care said the framework includes faster and higher-quality treatment for heart attacks and strokes. It also covers rehabilitation and ongoing support so people can recover and return to everyday life.
Framework Priorities And Expected Impact
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Three-year priorities | 12 priorities | Set by the Department of Health and Social Care. |
| Premature death target | 25% reduction | Government ambition over 10 years. |
| Early annual impact | 1,600 to 2,400 deaths prevented | Estimated for the first three years. |
| Longer-term impact | 3,850 to 4,900 deaths prevented | Estimated annually after 10 years. |
Risk Areas And Service Response
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| High blood pressure | 80% management aim | Targeted over the next three years. |
| Type 2 diabetes | 4 million diagnosed | Reported by the department. |
| Undiagnosed diabetes | 1.3 million estimated | Reported in the announcement. |
| Prevention Accelerators | Five sites launched | Started before the framework announcement. |
Diabetes UK Partnership Supports Public Awareness
The Department of Health and Social Care said Diabetes UK will be the first charity partner supporting delivery of the framework. The partnership will include a public awareness campaign and wider use of the Know Your Risk tool.
The announcement said cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are closely linked, with people living with diabetes or prediabetes at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The planned awareness work is intended to help people understand their risk and take practical steps to reduce it.
Prevention Accelerators Link National And Local Action
The Department of Health and Social Care said the Prevention Accelerators programme will help deliver the framework by bringing together local NHS services, councils and community partners. The programme is designed to identify people at risk earlier and improve uptake of cardiovascular disease and diabetes interventions.
The first Prevention Accelerators are being established in Greater London, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, South Yorkshire and the West Midlands. Their initial focus is cardiovascular disease and related conditions, which the government described as among the leading causes of premature death in England.
- Local partners: NHS organisations, councils, mayoral combined authorities and community groups will work together.
- Community access: checks and support may be taken into everyday settings rather than waiting for GP or A&E contact.
- Learning model: results from the first five areas will inform future prevention services.
Health Inequalities And Undiagnosed Risk Remain Central
The framework includes a renewed focus on underserved groups and communities that already experience health inequalities. The Department of Health and Social Care said neighbourhood outreach, population health tools and digital records will be used to identify people with undiagnosed cardiovascular disease or higher lifestyle-related risk.
The announcement also links cardiovascular disease with kidney disease, diabetes and metabolic conditions. NHS England said joined-up cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic care will support the goal of reducing premature deaths from heart disease and stroke within a decade.
Stakeholder Comments
James Murray, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said;
“Too many people are dying early from heart attacks and strokes that we know are preventable.”
“This is not good enough and that’s why we are setting clear priorities to help people stay healthier for longer, identify and diagnose serious disease much earlier, and deliver better treatment when it is needed.”
Sharon Hodgson MP, Public Health Minister said;
“Thousands of lives are being cut short every year by preventable conditions. We know how to prevent and treat these conditions and we must do more to ensure people are getting the help they need.”
“The new Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework is an important step forward, committing local services to work together and deliver care for the people most in need. This is how we move from reactive care to prevention.”
Colette Marshall, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK said;
“We’re pleased to be partnering with the Department of Health and Social Care to support its goal of reducing premature deaths from cardiovascular disease over the next decade.”
Professor Frankie Swords, National Medical Director of NHS England said;
“Millions of people are living with common risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes without even knowing it, putting them at increased risk of a heart attacks and strokes.”
The Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework sets national priorities for prevention, early diagnosis, urgent treatment and recovery support. Its first delivery phase covers 12 priorities over three years, supported by local Prevention Accelerators and a Diabetes UK partnership. The Department of Health and Social Care said implementation could prevent thousands of premature deaths each year while reducing pressure on NHS services.
Sources: Department of Health and Social Care, Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
