Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Modern Service Framework (MSF) – published 7 July 2026

The framework positions tobacco dependence treatment as a core component of cardiovascular disease prevention which is rooted in 12 principle focus areas

The Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Modern Service Framework (MSF) was published 7 July 2026 by Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England.

It positions tobacco dependence treatment as a core component of cardiovascular disease prevention rather than a standalone smoking issue and sets out a strategic vision to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke by 25% within 10 years, using a joined-up cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CVKM) approach.

A 10-year vision

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of premature mortality after cancer. It is linked to health inequalities, puts avoidable pressure on the NHS and results in significant socio-economic loss to people and communities.

The MSF describes a 10-year vision for how prevention, diagnosis and treatment will evolve including the expansion of neighbourhood health services, digital tools, new medicines and devices.

Read the full document.

What is the ambition?

The government has set a bold ambition: to reduce premature mortality from heart disease and stroke by 25% within 10 years. The modern service framework (MSF) published 7 July 2026, sets out the strategic vision and delivery model for to achieve this ambition within the health and care system over the next decade.

The Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework recognises that several conditions and risk factors share common causes and contribute to most heart attacks and strokes.

Tackling these drivers of ill health and inequality through a joined-up approach, including menial health and mental health services, can cut premature deaths from heart disease and stroke, helping people live healthier and longer lives.

Common risk factors include:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
High blood sugar (capturing both pre-diabetes and diabetes)
Obesity
Chronic kidney disease
Atrial fibrillation
Smoking

Priorities and a shift in focus for delivery

The framework aims to shift focus from reactive care in hospitals to proactive interventions within communities and neighbourhoods.

Improvements in 12 priority areas have been identified as the immediate system focus requirement in order to reduce mortality rates.

These include:

Finding the millions of people with undiagnosed or unmanaged CVKM risk factors, including smoking, atrial fibrillation, albuminuria, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, excess weight and kidney function.
Starting and optimising treatment for more people with high-risk
Ensuring timely, equitable, high-quality acute care is available to those already affected, reducing unwarranted variation and delays across urgent care pathways.
Expanding access, uptake of and adherence to rehabilitation, including hybrid and digital models

You can find out more about the 12 priorities on pages 16 and 17 of the DHSC’s strategic vision and delivery model document.

Working with local systems

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has said it will work with local systems to free up capacity to deliver the priorities in this MSF and realise the benefits from reduced heart attacks and strokes. DHSC will monitor and review performance against set metrics and ambitions for each of these priorities over the next 10 years.

The report will be supported by the publishing of more information to support local systems in the implementation of the framework.