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<< A-Z Index
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a term used to describe a
number of conditions that can affect the heart and blood vessels.
These include:
- heart attack and angina (heart pain)
- cerebrovascular disease including a stroke
- high blood pressure
- blood clotting and other heart or blood vessel diseases.
The most common cause of CVD is the gradual clogging of blood
vessels by fatty or fibrous material. Fatty material gradually
builds up on the blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries.
This eventually prevents vital oxygen from reaching the cells.
As the deposits build up the arteries become less elastic.
This condition is often referred to as hardening of the arteries.
Any artery in the body can be affected. However, the arteries
to the heart, brain or kidneys, or those to the eyes and legs
are most commonly affected.
CVD is the number one killer in Australia. Every 10 minutes
someone dies as a result of cardiovascular disease.
Some things that are out of your control will increase your
risk of CVD. These include:
- family history, if either or both of your parents, or
your brothers and sisters have had CVD
- age - the older you are the greater your risk of developing
CVD
- sex - men are at greater risk than women until women reach
menopause. Women's risk then becomes the same as for men.
- diabetes.
How can I prevent cardiovascular disease?
- Do not smoke. Smoking can
double your risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Reduce your blood fats such as cholesterol by eating a
diet low in saturated fat.
- Control your blood pressure. If you are on blood pressure
tablets, take them as directed by your general practitioner.
Have your blood pressure checked every second year, or more
often if directed by your general practitioner.
- Stay within the healthy weight
range
- Eat plenty of cereals fruit, fish and vegetables.
- Exercise for 30 minutes on most or every day of the week.
If you like, the 30 minutes can be accumulated in shorter
sessions of at least 10 minutes.
- Limit alcohol to two glasses
a day (or less).
- Visit your general practitioner for regular check ups.
How can cardiovascular disease be treated?
Treatment will depend on the type of CVD you have. Your general
practitioner will develop a treatment plan with you.
Where can I get more information?
Talk to your general practitioner or contact National Heart Foundation's Heartline on 1300 362 787
or visit their website www.heartfoundation.com.au
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