Strokes and heart attacks to be targeted in Scotland

Heart defibrillators could be in public places such as airports and railway stations in Scotland in the near future, as part of a bid to cut down on deaths from heart attacks.

The Scottish government announced that it would be taking the action in the coming months in order to reduce rates of premature death across the country, particularly in younger members of society.

Stroke units will also be ushered in as a way of providing ad hoc elderly care or support and to help those who could suffer the debilitating condition while in such a public area.

Ministers within the Scottish government believe that compared to 1995 levels, premature death from heart disease could drop by 60 per cent, while the stroke rate may fall by 50 per cent.

Yesterday, the Stroke Association commented on the situation of stroke care in London, stating that "urgent improvements" are needed in specialist services to cope with the problems associated with the condition.

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