There was need for increased information about non-communicable diseases, including heart problems, which caused 40 per cent of deaths in Malta, Health Minister Joseph Cassar said yesterday.

Speaking at the launch of the Healthy Heart Campaign, organised by Saint James Hospital, Dr Cassar said a staggering 80 per cent of the 17.5 million global annual deaths due to heart disease could be avoided.

Dr Cassar said people were aware of the risks of heart disease and made daily choices to try and remain healthy. But a healthy lifestyle was not enough and regular check-ups, including those of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol were essential.

He highlighted the importance of the private hospital's initiative, which, in collaboration with Flora pro.activ, was offering a heart scan at a reduced price throughout this month.

The cardiac CT scan checks the presence, location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood containing oxygen to the heart muscle.