[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The National Heart Foundation of Australia has received $170,000 to develop a National Strategic Action Plan, with assistance from the National Stroke Foundation.
Heart conditions and stroke place a heavy burden in terms of mortality and disability on the Australian community.
Heart disease is the single leading cause of death in Australia, with more than a quarter of all deaths in Australia each year having heart disease as an underlying cause. In 2016, the underlying cause of death in 43,963 people was cardiovascular disease.
On World Stroke Day, it is important to remember that stroke is one of Australia’s biggest causes of mortality, killing more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer, and is a leading cause of disability. Every nine minutes an Australian experiences a stroke, with 56,000 strokes occurring in 2017.
These conditions take a tremendous toll on individuals, families and friends and this national strategic action plan will recommend a way forward and assist the realisation of better outcomes for patients.
It will guide and direct the measures we need take to improve awareness, understanding, diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions and stroke in our community.
The Heart Foundation does a great job in our community raising awareness, conducting research and promoting ways to help all Australians to look after their heart. I look forward to receiving the action plan.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises several medications used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. About $1.3 billion is expended annually by the Australian Government to subsidise medications for treating heart conditions and stroke through the PBS.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
