Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to all diseases and conditions involving the heart and blood vessels. The main types of CVD in Australia are coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure/cardiomyopathy. (1). One in six Australians are affected by cardiovascular disease, accounting for more than 4.2 million Australians. (2). CVD prevalence increases with age, with 36% of Australians aged 55-64 reporting a long term CVD condition, increasing to 66% for Australians aged 75 and over. (2). However the good news is that the risk factors such as High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, weight and a sedentary lifestyle are almost all completely manageable.
Research is suggests that Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can play a role and may be beneficial along side mainstream medical treatments in mild cardiovascular diseases for helping reduce risk factors such as;