Our analysis shows that the number of people on cardiology waiting lists is at its highest level on record in Scotland.


As Heart Month begins, our new findings show that chronic underfunding of heart care in the NHS is likely to be halting the progress made in recent decades.

Our numbers show that fewer than three in 10 people have an echocardiogram (an important test for diagnosing and monitoring certain heart conditions) within the target six-week window. However, it was found that fewer than half of the people in the study group were seen by a cardiologist within the target 12 weeks.

Almost 1,200 people have been waiting more than a year for an echocardiogram and more than 750 people have been waiting more than a year to see a cardiologist.

We warn that the longer you wait for diagnosis and treatment, the greater your risk of worsening avoidable health conditions and even premature death.

More than 18,000 people will die from heart and circulatory diseases in Scotland in 2022, the equivalent of 50 people a day, the highest number since 2008.

Even in people under 75 years of age, there is an increase in premature death and cardiovascular disease, with the number of deaths from these diseases exceeding 5,354 in 2022.

Scotland’s biggest killer

We argue that this is primarily due to a long-term underfunding of heart disease in Scotland. Scotland spends an estimated £880 million on cardiovascular health care each year, but has invested just £3 million over the past decade in improving heart services.

The charity also points to the coronavirus pandemic, widening health inequalities in Scotland and the long-standing extreme pressures on the NHS over the past decade.

Jonathan Roden, Scotland’s policy and communications manager, said: “Deaths from heart disease have been on the decline in Scotland for 60 years, thanks in part to medical advances funded by the BHF, but worryingly “That trend has reversed.”

“Over the past decade, the world’s leading and dedicated health professionals have worked with the Scottish Government to develop plans to improve heart health services, but these plans have been repeatedly thwarted by chronic under-investment. I did.

“Cardiology services are under more pressure than ever before and more patients are waiting longer than ever before, leading to poorer outcomes for patients. We need to take action and invest in cardiovascular care to tackle the rising trend in deaths from heart disease, including coronary heart disease, which remains Scotland’s biggest killer.”

Our analysis using Freedom of Information requests and cardiology outpatient wait time data reveals worrying trends across cardiology departments.

Chronic lack of investment

From March 2019 to September 2023, the number of people waiting for an outpatient appointment increased from 8,562 to 23,027. Last year alone, the waiting list grew by more than 5,000 people.

Between June 2020 and June 2023, the number of people waiting for an echocardiogram increased from 11,745 to 19,054, according to public information data.

Since 2014, the Scottish Government has announced two plans to improve heart health services in Scotland: the Heart Health Improvement Plan 2014 and the Heart Health Action Plan to be published in 2021. These have been developed in partnership with us and health professionals across the country, with a total investment of £3 million from the Scottish Government.

But charities say further increases in investment are needed to ensure services are fit for current and future challenges.

David McColgan, head of BHF Scotland, said: ‘People are experiencing debilitating health problems or dying before they get the care they need. , there are human influences such as family members dealing with worry and anxiety.

“This is part of the funding needed to address Scotland’s cardiovascular disease challenges. After a decade of chronic underinvestment and Scottish Government apathy, cardiovascular services are under pressure in Scotland. We are no longer able to respond to this.”

Professor David Newby, consultant cardiologist at the BHF Research Excellence Center at the University of Edinburgh, said: The disease progresses further and patient outcomes worsen.

“In this time of extreme pressure, we need renewed focus and support to ensure that cardiac teams across the country can deliver the best care and improve patient outcomes.

“This issue must be taken seriously and steps taken to address systemic challenges and ensure patients receive the care they need and deserve.”

our work in scotland