The Department for Work and Pensions has released new figures showing that over 1.5 million people above the State Pension age are currently receiving regular financial aid for health conditions through Attendance Allowance, including 136,252 residing in Scotland. The benefit, which is either £72.65 or £108.55 per week - equating to £290.60 or £434.
Coronary heart disease occurs when the heart's blood vessels, known as the coronary arteries, become narrowed or blocked, preventing sufficient blood supply to the heart. This can lead to conditions like angina and potentially result in a heart attack. It's estimated that there are 96,000 new cases of angina each year, with around two million people in the UK now diagnosed with the condition, reports the Daily Record. Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. It's not usually life threatening, but it's a warning sign that the person could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Here's the current number of people across Great Britain receiving this benefit for a heart condition: