There are three main types of cardiovascular disease (CVD): stroke, coronary heart disease and heart failure.
Many people think that cardiovascular disease is more likely to be associated with men; however, one type of CVD, coronary heart disease, causes more deaths in women than men in Australia. CVD can occur at any age. However, for most women, the risk of developing CVD increases significantly around the menopause.
There is no one cause for CVD, but there are many factors that can increase your risk of developing CVD. We cannot do much about some risk factors such as age, gender or family history but risk factors that can be reduced through lifestyle include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes and depression.
Having regular health checks with your doctor, starting from a young age, is therefore important for your health awareness. Managing your blood pressue, cholesterol, knowing the best types of food to eat, being active and also managing depression and diabetes if you have them are discussed.
