What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to all diseases of the heart and circulatory system. This includes coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart attack, congenital heart disease and stroke.

The term cardiovascular disease means damage to your heart or blood vessels, by a build-up of fatty plaques in your arteries. Plaque build-up thickens and stiffens artery walls, which can inhibit blood flow through your arteries to your organs and tissues. It has many causes including smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

Cardiovascular disease statistics

• Every 19 minutes, one Australian person dies from cardiovascular disease (46% more men than women).
• The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated 580,300 Australians over the age of 18 had cardiovascular disease, in 2019.
• In 2017–18, over 4 in 5 (83%) cardiovascular disease hospitalisations occurring in those aged 55 and over.
• Cardiovascular disease was the underlying cause of death of more than 1 in 4 of all deaths in 2018, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
• For adults at age 60, having type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease shortens life expectancy by an average of 12 years.

What type of exercise is beneficial for cardiovascular disease

Evidence suggests beginning exercise, even late in life, can be effective in reversing structural and functional changes in the cardiovascular system associated with ageing and previous heart episodes.

RESISTANCE TRAINING

Resistance training has been associated with a 23% risk reduction for cardiovascular disease in men. It has also been shown to improve the cells that line the blood vessels function in both men and women.

STRENGTH TRAINING

Strength training can reduce triglyceride (fat in the blood) levels in women over the age of 55, underlying the potential benefits of this type of training in older women.

A structured training program from an exercise physiologist can help heart disease

At Club Active, our university-trained exercise physiologists can help develop a structured exercise program, incorporating strength, aerobic and resistance-based components. Whether it be to reduce the likelihood of developing some form of cardiovascular disease, or you are returning after a cardiac episode, it is important to train specifically for your health needs.

If you would like to learn more, please contact our friendly team today.