Deaths from coronary heart disease (CHD) have fallen by more than a third since 1996, the Government said.
Figures for 2003/04/05 showed the number of premature deaths from heart disease continuing to drop.
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said the 35.9% reduction showed the NHS was on track to meet the target of at least a 40% reduction by 2010.
Premature deaths refers to deaths below the age of 75. People with mental health problems and learning difficulties, often seen as vulnerable groups, were included in the figures.
The report, Shaping the Future, said the estimated number of lives saved through the use of cholesterol-busting statins has tripled since 2000.
Twice as many people now receive appropriate heart drugs within half an hour of arriving at hospital as in 2000.
Ms Hewitt said: "This report shows the fantastic achievements the NHS has made since 2000, not only in treating CHD patients - with better use of statins and faster access to heart surgery - but also in helping to prevent it, by working to reduce factors like smoking, which contribute to the disease.
"We are one of the highest spending countries in Europe for cardiovascular diseases, with one of the fastest improving services."
