Heart disease is a leading cause of illness and death among Australian women, according to a new report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The report, cardiovascular disease in women-a snapshot of national statistics (in focus), reveals that more than half a million Australian women have cardiovascular disease, and that it accounts for almost one-third of all deaths among females.
"In 2016, more than 22,200 women died of cardiovascular disease, making it the most deadly disease group for women," AIHW spokeswoman Miriam Lum On said.
Cardiovascular disease, which includes coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure, is a largely preventable and treatable group of conditions.
"It is often seen as an issue predominantly affecting men, but there is increasing recognition that aspects of its prevention, treatment and management are unique to women," Ms Lum On said.
But rates of acute coronary events (heart attack or unstable angina) and deaths have fallen substantially over recent decades.
Between 2001 and 2016, the rate among women fell by 57 per cent, from 465 to 215 events per 100,000.
"There have been smaller improvements in the incidence of CVD for younger women, but hospitalisation rates have increased," Ms Lum On said.
In the decade to 2016, CVD hospitalisation rates rose among younger women-by 11 per cent for women aged 25-34, and by 4.7 per cent for women aged 35-44.
Although the overall incidence of stroke for women fell by 25 per cent between 2001 and 2015, rates rose among younger women - by 16 per cent for those aged 35-44, and by 12 per cent for those aged 45-54.
Most chronic conditions share common risk factors including tobacco use, risky alcohol consumption, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, and high blood pressure.
The federal government is injecting $220 million for a 10-year mission for cardiovascular health. The release of the roadmap for public consultation will continue to focus efforts to help prevent deaths.
The mission will support Australia's talented researchers to develop new strategies to tackle the disease. It will include solutions to improve the outcomes of women with coronary artery disease and heart attack (who suffer twice the rate of death as their male counterparts), and to improve access and effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation for all Australians.
