The new figures, published by healthcare research group Dr Foster in this week's BMJ, predict a major increase in chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.

The authors say government should encourage people to remain active and refrain from behaviours that could have a detrimental effect on their health, such as smoking and overeating.

Obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure all increase the risk of developing heart disease. But incidence of each risk factor continues to rise.

The new figures predict that by 2031 cases of coronary heart disease will increase by 44 per cent, the number of cases of heart failure will increase by 54 per cent, and the number of cases of atrial fibrillation will increase by 46 per cemt.

If realised, these increases will have important implications for the national health service, say the authors.

For example, statins have become the single biggest component of the NHS prescribing budget, and their cost to the NHS is likely to increase further. So too will the costs of other drugs, as well as the costs of diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, and regular monitoring of patients.

The study is available on the BMJ website .