A PERSON living in Glasgow is more than four times as likely to die of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than someone in Hampshire.

The British Heart Foundation has released figures showing the divide between north and south at the launch of a new scheme to fight heart disease.

In Glasgow 143.5 people out of every 100,000 under the age of 75 die prematurely from CVD compared with Hart, Hampshire where 34.9 people out of every 100,000 die.

Areas including Inverclyde and Dundee, and Manchester and Blackpool, are also hotspots for high rates of early deaths.

In Scotland 35% more people suffer a heart attack or stroke than was previously estimated, with the annual figure reaching more than 45,000.

In its new strategy, the charity says the key to saving lives is to improve research advancements.

The charity is also determined to tackle health inequalities by preventing people from developing CVD in the first place.

In Dundee 123.2 people out of every 100,000 under the age of 75 die prematurely from CVD while in Inverclyde 122.9 people out of every 100,000 will die.

Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the BHF said: "With the help of our supporters, we'll increase investment and accelerate our world-class research that could save the lives of more people who die prematurely. We remain determined to win the fight against cardiovascular disease, improving the lives of the seven million people living with it and saving those who currently die too young."

In its new strategy the charity has said the key to preventing more premature deaths is to make sure research advancements go further and faster.