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People living in the most deprived communities in Northern Ireland are far more likely than those living in the least deprived ones to experience heart disease and its risk factors, according to new analysis from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

The analysis shows that people under 75 living in the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland are three times more likely to have a long-term heart condition or angina than those in the least deprived areas, after adjusting for age and sex. Whilst it stands at 2.3 times for the whole population.

Using the latest data from the Northern Ireland Health Survey, researchers examined inequalities in cardiovascular health by analysing the prevalence of long-term heart conditions or angina, alongside major risk factors including diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and obesity.

Stark inequalities are also evident across the key risk factors for heart disease. Compared with people living in the least deprived fifth of areas, those in the most deprived fifth are:

2.8 times more likely to smoke
2.1 times more likely to have diabetes
1.5 times more likely to have high blood pressure
1.2 times more likely to be living with obesity

The research also highlights substantial variation between local areas. People living in Causeway Coast and Glens, for instance, experience three times the rate of heart disease compared with those in Newry, Mourne and Down, the best-performing local area.

IPPR is urging the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that tackling health inequalities - particularly those related to cardiovascular disease - remains a central priority for the health system. The think tank warns that cuts to health funding must not come at the expense of prevention, as failing to address the root causes of heart disease will lead to higher costs and worse outcomes in the long term.

Jamie O’Halloran, senior research fellow at IPPR, said:

“The evidence is clear: cardiovascular ill health falls most heavily on the most deprived communities, both in rates of heart disease and exposure to its risk factors. The Northern Ireland Executive must put health inequalities at the centre of policymaking - especially at a time when already stretched budgets face further cuts.”

Orlagh Morris, from Ballymurphy, West Belfast is determined to encourage people to be aware of their heart health so she can help prevent other families going through the same tragedy she has. The 34-year-old ophthalmic technician lost her father, Gerard Morris, to a cardiac arrest caused by a massive heart attack, in tragic circumstances one Saturday morning in November 2024. She said:

“I am determined to encourage people to be aware of their heart health so I can help prevent other families going through the same tragedy we have. Daddy had gone to Kennedy Way recycling centre with my mum and moments later my mummy noticed that his hands were no longer on the steering wheel. He had a cardiac arrest at the wheel and the car crashed. One of the workers, Pearse, took action really quickly, pulling my dad out of the car and starting CPR. We’re so grateful for what Pearse did and it shows the importance of teaching workplaces and communities lifesaving skills. I’ve learnt first aid at work and how to use a defibrillator and perform CPR and I want to encourage as many people as possible to do the same. Even though my daddy didn’t survive, everything was done to try to bring him back and that gives our family some comfort. It has really brought home how aware we need to be of our heart health.”

ENDS

Case study available on request

 Dr Jamie O’Halloran is available for interviews.

CONTACT:

Sukhada Tatke, media and impact officer at IPPR Scotland: s.tatke@ippr.org / 07901169121

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Embargoed copies of blog are available on request.
This is the second a series of publications focused on heart disease in devolved nations. In the coming months, the IPPR will examine the scale of these disparities, their underlying causes, and their consequences across the three devolved nations.
The primary source for this blog was the 2021 – 2022 Norther Ireland Health Survey – the data collected during the pandemic, which reduced the sample size, making estimates less precise than in previous years. Younger adults (aged 16–44) are particularly underrepresented
Researchers measure deprivation using scores using the 2017 Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure.
IPPR is the UK’s most influential think tank, with dozens of alumni in Downing Street, the cabinet and parliament. We are the ideas factory behind many of the current government’s flagship policies, including changes to fiscal rules, the creation of a National Wealth Fund, GB Energy, devolution, and reforms to the NHS. IPPR is an independent charity which has seconded staff to government departments including DHSC and DESNZ to support ministers on crucial policies such as the 10-year health plan and the industrial strategy: www.ippr.org