Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term that covers many different conditions. It is essentially any condition that affects your heart and blood vessels.
This includes coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke, high blood pressure, congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy (weakness of the heart muscle), rheumatic heart disease (an autoimmune condition), Kawasaki disease (a type of vasculitis), heart arrhythmia, congenital valve conditions, and other conditions involving valves or cardiac rhythm disturbances.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is one of the Leading Causes of Death & Disability in Australia
The leading cause of death in Australia is CVD, accounting for almost 25% (42,300 people) of all deaths, followed by lung cancer at 17.7%. In addition to being the most common cause of death, CVD is also the most common cause of hospitalisation with 1 million Australians experiencing an acute episode each year.
1 in 6 people have CVD in Australia
It is estimated that roughly 4 million people are living with CVD in Australia. That’s 16.6% of the total population, making it the number one cause of death for both men and women.
CVD is Responsible for Killing 1 Person Every 12 Minutes
Cardiovascular disease is one of Australia's biggest health crises. Around 1 in 4 men and 1 in 6 women that die each year in Australia are from heart disease.
Heart Disease Remains the Leading Cause of Death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
About 1 in 10 deaths are caused by heart disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, making it the leading cause of death in these communities.
40% More Males Die due to Cardiovascular Diseases than Females
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Australia but what’s alarming is that according to statistics, this problem is responsible for killing 40% more males than females. This could be due to lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, high cholesterol levels, and lack of exercise.
Regular check-ups are essential for heart health, and it is important to seek medical attention early if you notice any symptoms. Cardiac events can happen suddenly, so it is crucial to know what to do if you experience symptoms, such as chest pain or dizziness.
1619 People are Hospitalised for CVD Every Day
Every minute, one individual seeks hospitalisation for CVD – that’s 1,619 people being hospitalised for cardiovascular disease every day. In total, more than half a million Australians are hospitalised for CVD every year.
These figures are staggering and can be attributed to many factors including poor diet and sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption. Since three-quarters of Australians are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, it is imperative for people to implement lifestyle changes.
Cardiovascular Disease is the Most Expensive Expenditure for the Australian Government
Cardiovascular diseases cost the Australian government a whopping $5 billion in healthcare expenses each year, which is more than any other disease. CVD also costs the economy $78.75 billion in productivity losses – much higher when compared with those of cancer and mental health disorders.