Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease refers to all diseases and conditions that involve the heart and blood vessels. An estimated 3.2 million* Australians are affected by cardiovascular disease and it is the main cause of death in Australians every year.
Things that can assist people to reduce their risk of heart disease included eating healthy, quitting smoking and increasing daily physical activity.
Cardiovascular disease may occur as a sudden event such as a heart attack or stroke or it can occur gradually with symptoms like chest pain, pain in the limbs during activity or even blurred vision and headaches.
High cholesterol
High cholesterol causes build up of fat laden areas known as plaques in the small arteries of the heart, brain and limbs. These plaques can lead to blockages which may limit blood flow to vital organs. This may in turn cause a sudden event like a heart attack or be more gradual causing chest pain.
Alongside factors such as having high blood pressure or diabetes, smoking or a diet high in fat and salt, high blood cholesterol is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. “Lifestyle” changes such as diet and exercise may help people with high cholesterol, however some individuals may require additional therapy to lower their cholesterol.
High blood pressure
The heart pumps blood around the body through the blood vessels. High blood pressure (hypertension) means that the blood is pumping with greater than normal pressure through the arteries.
Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, for example 120 over 80 (120/80). The higher number indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart squeezes blood out the blood during each beat, and is known as the systolic blood pressure. The lower number is the pressure as the heart relaxes, before the next beat and is called the diastolic blood pressure.
High blood pressure usually produces no symptoms. This means that people with hypertension will often not even know they have it. It is good to get your blood pressure checked regularly by your doctor.
If blood pressure remains high it can sometimes lead to serious problems such as a heart attack, a stroke, heart failure or kidney disease. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, reducing salt intake, achieving and maintaining a health body weight and regular exercise will help people with high blood pressure, however some individuals may require additional therapy to lower their blood pressure.
* Access Economics Pty Limited. The shifting burden of cardiovascular disease in Australia. 2005 (accessed 17 June 2009).
