• Print

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) covers all diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels.

Key facts about cardiovascular disease in Australia

Prevalence in 2007-08 Hospitalisations in 2007-08(a) Deaths in 2007(b)
All cardiovascular diseases 3,395,873(c) 475,122 46,626
Coronary heart disease 684,783(c) 161,417 22,729
Stroke 346,700(d) 34,945 8,623
Heart failure and cardiomyopathy(e) 277,756(c) 49,307 4,055
High blood pressure 2,100,700(f) n.a. n.a
Peripheral vascular disease n.a. 25,796 2,160
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease 1,480(g) 2,701 255

Notes:
(a) Principal diagnosis only
(b) Underlying cause of death only
(c) ABS 2007-08 National Health Survey
(d) ABS 2003 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers
(e) Prevalence estimates are for heart failure and oedema
(f) Ausdiab 1999-2000
(g) Numbers are for the Northern Territory only, obtained from Northern Territory Rheumatic Heart Disease register

Further information

Publications showing detailed statistics (free full text)

Ask us a question by email: