In the UK more people die of CHD in the winter months. In 2004/05, just under 7,000 people died from CHD in England and Wales each month in June and July, compared to around 9,000 in December and January.

 

Excess winter mortality is the mortality that occurs in winter above that which occurs in the rest of the year. In 2004/05, in England and Wales, during the winter months there were around 19% more deaths than would be expected on the basis of the underlying mortality throughout the year.  This percentage is higher in older age groups, with excess winter mortality more than twice as high in the over 85s compared to the under 65s.

 

The amount of excess winter mortality varies considerably by region – it is highest in the West Midlands and lowest in the North East of England. Excess winter mortality also varies from year to year. In 1999/2000, there were nearly twice as many excess winter deaths from CHD than in 2004/05 (8,960 compared to 5,450 deaths).