Women and heart disease: cardiovascular profile of women in Australia

Fast facts


• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)—a highly preventable and treatable group of diseases—are a major threat to the health of Australian women. But there is a lack of awareness of this threat.


• More than one in three women who died in 2006 did so as a result of a cardiovascular disease. 


• Coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and other heart diseases (including heart failure) are the three leading causes of death among women. 


• About two million women (one in five) have cardiovascular disease. About 226,000 of these women have CHD, 168,000 have had a stroke and 176,000 have heart failure. 


• CHD and stroke are in the top 10 causes of poor health and disability among Australian women. 


• Most women (91%) have at least one modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and half of all women have two or three. 


• Most of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease are known, and many of them can be changed. For example, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity and high blood pressure can be modified and their burden reduced. 


• Many of these risk factors are already common among young females—from as young as 35–44 years, it is more common for females to be overweight or obese than to have a healthy weight; and one in five of those aged 20–29 years smoke daily. 


• CVDs are the second most expensive diseases in terms of health system expenditure on women, with $2,682.8 million spent treating CVD in women in Australia in 2004–05. 


Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Medical Observer Article on HelpDomain

Patients’ non-medical FAQs answered online

Shannon McKenzie   all articles by this author

GPs now have a new online resource to help them answer questions on some of the non-medical practicalities faced by patients with terminal and chronic conditions.

Established by PushPull Medical, the new website – helpdomain.com.au – draws on the knowledge of experts across a range of fields such as finance and law, and offers advice on the many issues and decisions that patients with serious health problems will face.

The website contains information on everything from superannuation and power of attorney, to financial planning and potential support groups. It also has video recordings of experts giving advice – including a GP – as well as recordings of real-life patients sharing their experiences.

GPs can refer patients to the website, or use it to better inform themselves of the issues so they are able to answer any patient questions more appropriately.

Over 15% of Australians affected by arthritis as population ages

More than 3.1 million Australians were estimated to be affected by arthritis in 2007–08, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

The report, A snapshot of arthritis in Australia 2010, found that the prevalence of arthritis increased from 13.6% in 2001 to 15.2% in 2007–08.

‘This increase can be largely attributed to Australia’s ageing population,’ said Dr Naila Rahman, of the AIHW’s National Centre for Monitoring Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions.

‘The rate of arthritis increases with age, especially after the age of 45, and is highest among those aged over 75 years. An older population means a higher prevalence of the disease.’

Read the full article here.

Health Calculator

They say these days that BMI (Body Mass Index) isn't the perfect way to work out if you are the right weight or not. I agree with this for some people, particularly those who carry a lot of muscle. Often they will be "overweight" according to the BMI. However, if you are a regular person like me, it seems to work quite well, but I don't even own a set of scales, so I'm just guessing now!

The Pedometer is very useful. I tend to walk at least 10,000 steps per day. That is normal for me, as I walk most places. How many steps do you take. Work it out below!

 

© PushPull Medical 2010

H1N1 Animation

Here is the H1N1 animation that our background came from. It makes this virus look pretty fascinating and beautiful.

© PushPull Medical 2010

Our new Blog Background!

The background you see here is an artists impression of the H1N1 virus. We created this using Lightwave, a 3D modelling and animation program. 3D allows you to explore worlds we wouldn't normally be able to see. I think that the possibilities for education and communication are endless, as these mediums are integrated into other interactive technologies making for an incredibly powerful format from which to learn!

Let us know what you think?? email: info@pushpullmedical.com.au

Here is the image below:

© PushPull Medical 2010

Cigarette smoke linked to ADHD, headaches and stuttering in children

Research to be presented at an international conference (Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health) in Sydney today (8 Oct) shows that children exposed to second-hand smoke have significantly higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), headaches and stuttering than those who are not exposed.

The US study asked about exposure to cigarette smoke at home among children aged four to 11 and adolescents aged 12 to 15, and also measured the cotinine levels in their blood (a measure of exposure to tobacco smoke). After controlling for socioeconomic factors and prenatal exposure, the study found children exposed to second-hand smoke had double the rate of ADHD (10.6% compared to 4.6%), almost double the rate of stuttering (6.3%% compared to 3.5%) and an increased rate of headaches (14.2% compared to 10.0%). Adolescents also had significantly higher rates of headaches (26.5% compared to 20.0%). 

Read the full article here.

Walking techniques interactive

For more interactive media go to DrsWaitingRoom

30 Minutes to Spare can Reduce our Risk of Chronic Disease

Activities such as walking to work, getting off a few stops early from public transport, or going for a walk during your lunch break can help prevent Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and cancer.


Read the full article here

Critically Low Blood Sugar Can Lead to Vascular Problems

A new study published by Sydney-based The George Institute for Global Health has found that people with type 2 diabetes who suffer episodes of critically low blood sugar levels (severe hypoglycemia) are at greater risk of suffering subsequent vascular problems such as a heart attack, stroke and kidney disease, as well as non-vascular problems such as cancer and respiratory conditions.

Read the full article here.

Osteoarthritis Knee Pressure Calculator

*Disclaimer: These Interactive Calculators are a guide only and should not be used alone. You should maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise for a healthy lifestyle, with the guidance of your Health Care Providers.