Self reported prevalence of CHD or stroke was measured in the 1994, 1998, 2003 and 2006 Health Surveys for England. Overall, between 1994 and 2006, the prevalence of CHD increased from 6.0% to 6.5% in men and remained stable for women (from 4.1% to 4.0% in women). An increase in the prevalence of CHD or stroke was also observed in the Health Survey for England, increasing from 7.1% to 8.1% in men and from 5.2% to 5.6% in women between 1994 and 2006. These increases were found in the majority of age groups in both men and women, with the most consistent increase in trend found in the oldest age group (75 years and over). 

Longitudinal data from the General Household Survey show that since 1988 there has been no marked change in the overall rate of self-reported morbidity from a previous heart attack. However, rates of self-reported longstanding cardiovascular disease have increased in older age groups since 1988; by around 15% in those aged 65 to 74 and 48% for men and 18% for women in those aged 75 and over.

In summary, the surveys which have looked at morbidity most reliably and/or most frequently, i.e. the Health Survey for England and the General Household Survey, suggest that, whereas mortality from CHD is falling, morbidity, particularly in older age groups, appears to be rising.