The death rate from heart disease in Northern Ireland has fallen faster than any anywhere else in the UK.
An audit office report monitored the performance of the health service in Northern Ireland and reveals that the number of men dying from heart disease fell by two thirds between 1990 and 2006.
In the same period, the death rate amongst women dropped even more, by 67%.
The watchdog study said the substantial drop was down to improved testing and shorter waiting times for appointments and treatment.
However, the figures also show that the number of people suffering from coronary disease went up, with 76,000 patients being treated in Northern Ireland in 2006.
