Jeremy Hunt calls for action on leading causes of mortality

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has set out a new strategy through which the NHS will aim to tackle the five major causes of mortality in England.

The minister's mortality call-to-action will see health service providers working to reduce the number of avoidable deaths from cancer, heart, stroke, respiratory and liver disease, in order to bring the country's performance in this regard in line with Europe's best.

A particular focus will be placed on cardiovascular disease, with a number of key priorities outlined in this area, including improving lifesaving responses, offering tests to patients' family members and offering a more coordinated approach to treatment across the health service.

These measures will be important, as cardiovascular disease is responsible for around 30 percent of all deaths and the biggest cause of disability in England.

Mr Hunt said: "Today's proposals for those with cardiovascular diseases will bring better care, longer and healthier lives and better patient experience – which we must all strive to deliver."

The news has welcomed by the British Heart Foundation, which describes heart disease as a "major public health challenge".