Health: Scots cut heart-attack deaths

Scotland is set to achieve its target 40-per-cent reduction in heart disease deaths set under the 1992 Health of the Nation strategy two years ahead of the original deadline of 2000.

Scotland's Chief Medical Officer, Sir David Carter, said the Government would now look at increasing the target from the year 2000 because of the good progress being made.

"We are well on course," he said. "It is reassuring that we're moving in the right direction but we want to see much more movement. We have almost hit the target, so we will want to have a new target."

However, the reduction still leaves Scotland topping the table in the number of premature deaths from heart disease in people under the age of 65.

Sir David added "It is going to remain a priority of the Government, as Scotland has a terrible record in coronary heart disease."