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Simple lifestyle changes key to curbing heart disease trend


Half of all premature deaths from coronary heart disease, the single biggest killer of Australians, could have been prevented according to the latest Australian Institute of Welfare (AIHW) report, prompting the Heart Foundation to call on all Australians to implement simple lifestyle changes to help curb this alarming trend.


The AIHW report, Premature Mortality in Australia 1997–2012, released today showed that of all deaths in Australia in 2012, almost 50,000 (34%) can be considered premature, and half of cases could have been prevented.


The report detailed the leading cause of premature death in 2010–12 as coronary heart disease, accounting for 10% of all deaths in people aged under 75. Coronary heart disease is also the leading cause of death in Australia overall, accounting for 14% of deaths across all ages in 2010–2012, with 1 in 4 (25%) of these deaths being premature.


National Heart Foundation CEO, Mary Barry said both the Australian community and Government have a role to play in reducing the rate of preventable heart disease in Australia.


“Many of the leading causes of premature death in Australia, including heart disease,  can be impacted by implementing simple lifestyle changes at home such as quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, reducing alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight,” Ms Barry said.


“However, the report’s findings also offer a timely reminder to the Government that investing in preventive health activities, early detection, and continuity of care must be its highest priority.


“Preventive health activities, early detection and optimal management of patients with heart disease is critically linked to improved health outcomes and ultimately, survival.


“By appropriately investing in preventive health, the benefits span further than the immediate health outcomes to include reduced spending and burden across the entire health system.”


The report also found the premature death rate due to coronary heart disease has decreased by 85% over the past three decades, however Ms Barry warned this good news should not lead to complacency.


“As long as heart disease remains a major contributor to preventive and premature death in Australia, the Heart Foundation will continue to call on the Government and every Australian to take measures to curb this alarming trend,” Ms Barry said.


The Heart Foundation is keen to work with the Department of Health on strategies that lead to the reduced prevalence of heart disease in Australia.
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