The number of people diagnosed with heart disease is falling

Statistics revealed the overall death rate from coronary heart disease fell by 7.3% in 2004, from 150.4 per 100,000 of the population to 139.4.

The under-75 death rate declined by 9.4%, from 77.6 to 70.3 per 100,000.

There was also a 6.2% decrease in the overall death rate from strokes, from 79.1 to 74.2.

The stroke death rate among the under-75s fell by 9.6%, from 24.9 to 22.5 per 100,000 people.

The updated Scottish health statistics cover the 12-month period to March 2004.

They showed that the number of cases of heart disease diagnosed fell by 5.1% and there was a 5.6% drop in new stroke cases.

It is clear that much more needs to be done to help people in deprived areas improve their health Andy Kerr Health Minister

On the treatment side, there was a 6.3% increase in the number of coronary artery bypass operations and other procedures, up from 6,780 to 7,207.

NHS Scotland's Information and Statistics Division (ISD Scotland), said the fall in heart disease deaths among the under-75s showed that the target of a 60% reduction by 2010 was feasible.

Health Minister Andy Kerr welcomed the fall in deaths and said the Scottish Executive would remain committed to further improving the country's health.

The minister referred back to his announcement last week in which he promised more community-based preventative medicine and to the ban on smoking in public places, which comes into effect next year.

Mr Kerr said: "It is excellent news that fewer Scots are being diagnosed with and dying from coronary heart disease and stroke.

"However, it is clear that much more needs to be done to help people in deprived areas improve their health."