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Assessing cardiovascular risk in regional areas: the Healthy Hearts Beyond City Limits program

Melinda J Carrington1, Garry L Jennings, Robyn A Clark

  • 1Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.

BMC Health Services Research
|September 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are common in regional Australia. The Healthy Hearts study in Victoria found high prevalence, suggesting a need for targeted regional risk management clinics to lower CVD burden.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence is higher in regional and remote Australian areas compared to metropolitan centers.
  • The Healthy Hearts study investigated CVD risk factors in regional Victoria, Australia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine age and sex-specific cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor levels in regional Victoria.
  • To assess the potential effectiveness of national risk clinics for managing CVD risk.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study conducted in four selected high-risk communities in regional Victoria.
  • Standardized protocols were used to measure CVD risk factors, estimate absolute CVD risk, and provide feedback.
  • Data from 2125 self-selected participants were analyzed, comparing CVD risk factor prevalence between sexes.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors was observed in the study population.
  • Men exhibited higher rates of modifiable CVD risk factors, pre-existing CVD, and ECG abnormalities compared to women.
  • Women had higher rates of obesity and physical inactivity, while men reported fewer depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirmed elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor levels in regional Victoria.
  • Close community engagement is crucial for implementing regional risk management clinics.
  • Targeted interventions in regional clinics can potentially reduce the overall burden of CVD.
Abstract

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