Cardiovascular Disease

Nature of the Problem

Cardiovascular diseases - diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Coronary heart disease (ischaemic heart disease) - poor blood supply/diseases of the heart itself through the coronary arteries.

Cerebrovascular disease - poor blood supply/diseases of the blood vessels that supply the brain

Peripheral vascular disease - poor blood supply to the arteries, capilleries and veins in the limbs.

Atherosclerosis - refers to the build up of fatty tissue or fibrous material on the artery walls

Arteriosclerosis - refers to the hardening of the arteries that make them less elastic

myocardial infarction - (heart attack) -occurs when blood supply to the heart is blocked, thus meaning the heart muscle is not supplied with oxygen. This can lead to the death of the muscle if blood flow is not restored and is known a a heart attack.

Extent of the Problem

CVD is the leading cause of death in Australia overall.

Ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death for both males and females. Stroke is the second leading cause of death for women and third leading cause of death for men. (see table below)

There has been a downward trend since the 60's due to improved medical technology, treatment & medication and also improvements in lifestyle including a reduction in smoking and improved diet.

(graphs below from Australia's Health 2008) 

DEATH RATES FOR CVD 1950-2005 (Australia's Health 2008)

Risk Factors

Groups at risk

Social determinants