In 1994, 1484 people died in Tayside from heart disease. That number had fallen to 1202 last year.

In Fife there were 1260 deaths 10 years ago, dropping back to 1019 last year.

The new figures show that fewer Scots are dying from heart disease and stroke. The Government believes it is seeing the result of major investment in health services prioritising heart disease and stroke.

Welcoming the figures Scotland’s new Health Minister Andy Kerr said, “These new figures make very encouraging reading. The long-term decline in deaths from Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is continuing and fewer new cases are being diagnosed. It's a similar welcome trend for strokes.

“Patients are benefiting from major improvements in treatment by the NHS and more are getting lifesaving revascularisation procedures.

“In 2002 the Scottish Executive announced its CHD/Stroke strategy, including funding of an additional £40 million, which is already yielding results as the cash is rolled out to projects across the country.

“However, while the figures are moving in the right direction, we have still got a lot to do if we are to improve Scotland's poor health record.

“Many Scots are at risk of falling victim to both conditions due to poor diet and lack of regular physical activity. Smoking rates in Scotland are still sky high and alcohol misuse is also a serious risk factor.

“There is a real need for people to heed the warnings and look after themselves. Doing so will enable people to make the most of their lives and allow families to be together longer.”

Key statistics for the whole of Scotland include:

CHD mortality rates decreased by 3% between 2002-2003 (from 154.8 to 150.4 per 100,000 population); the under-75 mortality rate from CHD fell by 3.4% (from 80.3-77.6 per 100,000); the rate of men diagnosed with CHD decreased by 4% (from 455.4 to 437.4 per 100,000) and women by 6% (from 251 to 235.7 per 100,000 population).

Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD, ie stroke) mortality rates decreased by 4% (from 82.2 to 79.2 per 100,000) over the same period; the under-75 death rate fell by 4.4% (from 26 to 24.9 per 100,000); the rate of men diagnosed with CVD decreased by 6% (from 215.6 to 201.9 per 100,000) and women by 7% (from 175.7 to 163.2 per 100,000)