Cardiovascular Diseases

What are Cardiovascular Diseases?

Cardiovascular diseases encompass conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, stroke and hypertension. These conditions involve the narrowing, blocking or damage to blood vessels that support the heart, brain and other parts of the body. Blockages are often caused by atherosclerosis, the build up of plaque in the arteries.

4.2 Million

Australians living with
cardiovascular diseases.

6 Million

Australians affected by
hypertension (a key risk factor).

Many cardiovascular diseases develop silently over decades, and symptoms only appear when significant damage has already occurred. Acute events such as heart attacks and strokes can happen suddenly without a history of symptoms. However, many cardiovascular diseases are preventable through lifestyle modifications and can be effectively managed when diagnosed early.

Risk Factors

Non-modifiable risk factors include age (risk doubles every decade after age 55), gender (males are at a higher risk), family history, and genetic factors.

Certain ethnicities include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those with a South Asian background face elevated risk.

Major modifiable risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and obesity.

These risk factors, known as the “big five,” account for the majority of cardiovascular events and are largely preventable through lifestyle and medical management.

Lifestyle factors include a poor diet high in saturated fat, processed foods and sodium, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol intake, and inadequate sleep. Psychosocial factors include depression, anxiety, social isolation and low socioeconomic status.

Impact of TENSH Habits

Physical Activity

Physical activity is a powerful intervention for maintaining and improving cardiovascular health. It reduces risk through improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced blood pressure, improved cholesterol and blood glucose control. Regular aerobic activity, such as walking, running, and cycling, strengthens the heart muscle and improves circulation.

Muscle-Strengthening Exercise

Muscle-strengthening exercises (MSE) complement aerobic activity by improving strength and mobility, managing body composition and enhancing insulin sensitivity. MSE is beneficial for controlling blood pressure and maintaining lean muscle mass that supports metabolic health.

Sedentary Behaviour

Sedentary behaviour is independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This means that you can hit your weekly physical activity target, but still have too much sedentary behaviour. Breaking up sitting with regular movement helps to maintain healthy blood flow.

Fruit and vegetable intake

Fruit and vegetable intake provides protective benefits through antioxidants, fibre, potassium and anti-inflammatory compounds. Adequate intake of fruits and vegetables can reduce cardiovascular risk, and help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Sugar & Saturated Fat

Added sugar and saturated fat intake impact cardiovascular health through their effects on body weight, inflammation and cholesterol. Reducing saturated fats and replacing them with omega-3 fatty acids supports heart health and arterial function.

Managing Alcohol Intake

Alcohol intake has a complex relationship with cardiovascular health. There is evidence to support a moderate intake of alcohol having protective cardiovascular effects. However, excessive intake contributes to weight gain and increases the risk of irregular heart rhythms and cardiomyopathy.

Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness practice benefits cardiovascular health through reduced stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and improved heart rate variability. Chronic stress is a significant cardiovascular risk factor, and mindfulness and controlled breathing are practical stress management tools.

Sleep Habits

Rising immediately and a pre-sleep routine help to optimise sleep. Insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease through their effects on blood pressure, inflammation and metabolic function.

Impact on the Workplace

Cardiovascular disease-related absenteeism and presenteeism increase as the condition progresses. Significant cardiac events, such as a heart attack and stroke, can lead to extended absence and early-than-planned workforce retirement.

The workplace can support the cardiovascular health of its workers through education and support. This is especially useful for helping workers identify risk factors and take the necessary next steps. Accommodations include workload management and stress management initiatives, as well as flexible working arrangements and modifications for physical roles.

Organisations with comprehensive cardiovascular health programs see economic benefits through improved productivity, reduced health-related costs, and enhanced employee retention. A prevention-focused cardiovascular program can help prevent premature cardiac events.

Resources & Tools

Heart Foundation Australia provides comprehensive cardiovascular health resources, risk assessment tools, healthy eating guidelines, and workplace wellness programs. Their "MyHeart MyLife" digital support program offers personalised risk management strategies.

Stroke Foundation Australia delivers stroke prevention education, F.A.S.T. recognition training, rehabilitation resources, and workplace accommodation guidance for stroke survivors.

Self-assessment tools include the Australian CVD Risk Calculator and Heart Age Calculator.