CARDIOVASCULAR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASEDISEASE

The Nature of CVDExtent and Trend of CVDRisk factorsSocial determinantsHigh Risk Groups

The Nature of CVDThe Nature of CVD

CVD includes al the disease of the heart and blood vessels.

Major diseases include heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

Atherosclerosis is the build up of fatty tissues on the inner walls of arteries. It interferes with blood supply to the body.

Coronary Heart DiseaseCoronary Heart Disease

Most common type of CVD = 20% of all deaths.

Blood supply to the heart is decreased by narrowing arteries.

Angina = blockage decreases blood flow to the heart and causes pain as a result of cramping of the heart muscle.

Blockage = heart attack.

Cerebrovascular DiseaseCerebrovascular Disease

Disease of the arteries of the brain.Stroke = an interruption of blood supply

to the brain. Caused by atherosclerosis.

Stroke = blood vessel may also burst.

Peripheral Vascular DiseasePeripheral Vascular Disease

Affects the blood vessels in the limbs.Arteriosclerosis = hardening of the

arteries that interferes with blood supply to the muscles and skin.

Close links with smoking and diabetes.Can result in gangrene and limb

amputation.

Extent and Trend of CVDExtent and Trend of CVD

35% of all deaths in Australia. Death rate increases with age and causes the greatest

amount of death in older people. There has been a downward trend since the 1970s.

This is most significant in males aged over 45 years. Males more likely to experience coronary heart disease

than females. Decline in CVD

- improved medical care eg. Drugs to manage blood pressure.

- reduction of risk behaviour that contributes to CVD.

AIHW, Australia’s Health 2008AIHW, Australia’s Health 2008

http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/aus/ah08/ah08.pdf

Pg:200

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

Majority of risk factors are associated to LIFESTYLE.

The potential for people to alter their lifestyle varies according to the environmental factors eg: socioeconomic status.

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

Non-modifiable risk factors include:

- Age. Risk increases with age usually with a slow progression of atherosclerosis.

- Heredity. Family history

- Gender. Males are at a higher risk.

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

Modifiable risk factors

- Smoking. 5 times more likely to develop CVD. Due to increase heart rate, constriction of blood vessels and reduction in oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

- High Blood Pressure. Linked with high salt intake and overweight.

- High Blood Fats = Atherosclerosis

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

- Overweight & Obesity. Increased risk due to extra burden on heart and lungs. Obesity linked with HBP and blood fats.

- Lack of Physical Activity. Less efficient heart, higher levels of blood fats and easily gain weight.

- Others include poor nutrition, alcohol, contraceptive pill and diabetes.

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

Other risks include alcohol, contraceptive pill (esp. with smoking) and diabetes.

Males are more likely to engage in risk behaviours for CVD.

PROTECTIVE FACTORSPROTECTIVE FACTORS

Opposite of risk factors that lower chances of developing heart disease.

MAINTAIN HEALTHY LEVELS OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL: Regular BP and Ch checks for early identification and management.

QUIT SMOKING:

PROTECTIVE FACTORSPROTECTIVE FACTORS

ENJOY HEALTHY EATING: From the 5 food groups mainly fruit/veg, moderatly: meats poultry, fish and dairy as well as oils and fats.

VISIT DOCTOR REGUARLY: Detection of early signs and give advice on lowering the risk of CVD.

PROTECTIVE FACTORSPROTECTIVE FACTORS

BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE: 30 min moderate intensity PA on most days will lower BP, Ch and maintain weight.

ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT: Being overweight and carrying weight around the waist increase the risk of CVD and diabetes.

Others include: controlling diabetes, managing stress, limiting saturated fats and sugars.

Social DeterminantsSocial Determinants

Socio-economic Status- More likely to demonstrate risk behaviours eg.

Smoking, obesity & physical inactivity. Metro to Remote/Rural locations

- Variation most notable in coronary heart disease.

- linked to higher levels of smoking, obesity, lack of access to appropriate medical services and prevention support.

- higher ATSI population also contributes. More likely to ask elders for assistance than Western medicine.

Social DeterminantsSocial Determinants

Gender- Males more likely to ignore early warning signs &

less likely to access medical services (masculinity). Mass Media & Education

- Contributed to the decline.- Greater awareness from health promotion

campaigns conducted by gov. and non gov. agencies (National Heart Foundation).

- Increased access to health products = better nutrition, better exercise amenities in public parks.

- Some groups are still disadvantaged = low socio-economic.

LOCATION (rural compared to metropolitan area)

- People in rural and remote areas: higher coronary heart disease due to higher levels of smoking, obesity, lack of access to health services, lack of prevention support.

- Higher ATSI population live in this area and often consult an elder rather than health care.

High Risk GroupsHigh Risk Groups

MalesATSISocio-economically disadvantagedPeople born in AustraliaSpecific groups – family history of heart

disease, smokers, people with high blood pressure, overweight people, ‘blue collar’ workers, people over 65.