DEATH rates from coronary heart disease (CHD) in the UK are among the highest in the world, although they have been falling.

One reason why CHD rates in the UK are so high is because the average diet is so unhealthy, according to the British Heart Foundation. In particular fat intake, especially saturated fat such as is in cakes, is too high and fruit and vegetable consumption is too low.

Dr Vivienne Press, assistant medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Around one in five deaths from coronary heart disease are due to cigarette smoking and almost a third of deaths from CHD are due to poor diet.

"The good news is that these are factors that we can all do something about. Stopping smoking, eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day and enjoying a sensible limit of alcohol will help people to reduce their risk of developing Britain's number one killer disease."

According to the latest figures, Wychavon had the highest incidence of premature deaths (before the age of 75) between 1992 and 1996 compared with the Cotswold and Stratford districts. During this four-year period, 379 men died from CHD and 146 women, all under 75. In Stratford 370 men and 139 women died, while Cotswold district saw 238 men and 78 women dying.

Tackling heart disease is one of the top priorities for Worcestershire Health Authority after this year's public health report revealed it as one of the biggest killers locally.

It coincided with the launch of a national plan to tackle the disease and reduce deaths.

In his report, Worcestershire director of public health Dr Brian McCloskey said: "This national plan sets out standards and targets for the way in which we should respond to the challenge of reducing deaths from heart disease."

He said the incidence was higher in more deprived areas and could be related to access to services. The health authority is currently working to ensure equal access to all.

Dr McCloskey's report also said the number of men and women smoking in Worcestershire was lower than the national average at 24% for men and 20% of women. Nationally, 24% of deaths from heart disease in men and 11% in women are due to smoking.

Obesity and diabetes are also major factors which increase the risk of heart disease. In Worcestershire, 19% of women are obese and 15% of men.

His report adds: "Worcestershire may expect up to 10% of men and 7% of women over the age of 35 to have coronary heart disease. This is equivalent to about 25,000 Worcestershire residents."

Earlier this month, Worcestershire received an extra £28 million cash settlement for the next financial year and plans to spend part of it on tackling heart disease as well as cancer. Mike Ridley, the authority's director of finance and commissioning, said the money would help reduce the number of out patients waiting more than three months and patients waiting more than 12 months for admission to hospital.

He said: "We'll also use the money for the big killers of cancer and heart disease, ensuring early diagnosis and short waits for cancer treatment."

The message from the health authorities and the British Heart Foundation is that we all need to live healthier lives, eating more fresh fruit and vegetables.

Eating habits in children also need to be improved.