Rheumatic heart disease and acute rheumatic fever in Australia: 1996-2011
This report examines and presents a range of data on acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Australia. It shows that ARF now occurs almost exclusively in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and that the prevalence of RHD is much higher among Indigenous people than other Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also considerably more likely to be hospitalised with ARF or RHD, and to die from RHD.
Cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 2004-05
Cardiovascular disease is a major health problem in Australia, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples carrying the greatest burden of illness and death from this disease. Up-to-date estimates on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors are important for monitoring their impact on the health of Indigenous Australians. This report presents national-level information for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors, as well as on cardiovascular deaths. Results are based mostly on analysis of the Australian Bureau of Statistics' most recent National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey and National Health Survey conducted in 2004-05.