According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, cardiovascular disease remains the biggest killer of Australians.

 

In 2008 it claimed 48,456 lives. This equates to 34% of all deaths. Of these, an alarming 53% were female, debunking the myth that heart disease is predominantly a man's disease.

 

Coronary heart disease* – the most common form of cardiovascular disease – alone was responsible for 16% of all deaths that year.

 

Over 80% of deaths from heart disease are preventable^‡. The Foundation encourages Australians to be pro-active about their heart health, for example by eating well, keeping fit and not smoking.

 

In a bid to stop more Australians from dying, the Foundation funds innovative research to prevent, diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease.

 

*Coronary heart disease (also known as ischaemic heart disease and coronary artery disease), is a condition in which the heart's arteries (blood vessels) become narrower.

^‡ World Heart Federation