For Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People

Cardiovascular disease (diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels) is the main cause of death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Compared to non-Indigenous Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:

• have higher levels of risk factors - such as smoking, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure  
• are almost twice as likely -  to have heart disease
• are three times more likely -  to have a heart attack
• are nearly twice as likely -  to die from heart disease
• are thirteen times more likely -  to have a cardiac event at ages 25-34
• are less likely to participate in cardiac rehabilitation programs - despite being twice as likely to die from heart disease

Given these statistics, St Vincent's Heart Health is committed to raising awareness and improving heart health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In doing so, we are developing a website with culturally appropriate content - featuring images, animations, videos and stories.

You can visit the website for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here.