1 June 2001

The Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit at the University of Dundee will celebrate its twentieth anniversary with a 40 per cent decline in coronary mortality rate since the Unit was established in 1981. Experts will gather from all over Scotland at the Queen Mother Conference centre at the Royal College of Physicians on Tuesday 5th June to discuss what is happening to heart disease in Scotland, its risk factors, current research, policies, guidelines and "fighting back".

Speakers will address "Heart Disease in Scotland" charting the developments in awareness and treatment since 1981.

Professor Hugh Tunstall-Pedoe, head of the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit at the University of Dundee said: "When I came to Dundee to start the Unit in May 1981 Scotland had the highest mortality from coronary disease in the world for both men and women. We launched two major projects, the Scottish MONICA project - World Health Organisation project for monitoring cardiovascular disease - and the Scottish Heart Health study which provided the basis for starting prevention programmes."

The steep decline in coronary mortality in Scotland mirrors the pattern in the rest of Britain. Dr Richard A'Brook of Dundee's Unit says that this drastic improvement is a combination of heightened awareness of health issues, diet, exercise and improvement in treatments. Scotland's record on heart disease is much improved, Russia now has the highest coronary mortality rate. There is still much to be done however to wipe out heart disease in Scotland.

The Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit at the University of Dundee has an international reputation for research. The University is currently establishing The Institute of Cardiovascular Research TICR which will create a centre of excellence bringing together on one site, specialists in cardiovascular research.

Contact Professor Hugh Tunstall-Pedoe 01382 644255