Cardiovascular disease: new ways to detect risk and improve outcomes (NIHR, 22 July 2025)

Summary

Cardiovascular disease (conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels) accounts for around 1 in 4 deaths in the UK each year, according to the British Heart Foundation, with healthcare costs in England estimated at £10 billion a year. 

A person’s risk of cardiovascular disease depends on their blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, smoking status, family history, and other factors. Identifying someone at increased risk allows them to take preventive measures, for example, changing their lifestyle or taking medicines. Such measures can reduce risk and improve health outcomes, and potentially delay or prevent cardiovascular disease.

Predicting and preventing ill health is a priority in the Government’s 10 year plan for the NHS in England. An assessment of cardiovascular risk is part of routine care during the NHS Health Check, but research suggests that the identification of individuals’ future risk could be improved.  

Content

In July 2025, an NIHR Evidence webinar highlighted three promising NIHR projects, based on information from clinical care. The research points to new ways to identify people at risk of heart and circulation problems. 

• a heart disease calculator
• an AI-enabled ECG
• AI analysis of heart scans. 

Watch the webinars and find out more from the NIHR website.