How to prevent heart disease and stroke

Heart disease
Risk & prevention

Prevention is key

Prevention starts with knowing your risk. Nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Almost 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented through healthy behaviours. That means that habits like eating healthy, being active and living smoke free, have a big impact on your health.

Lifestyle risk factors

Many risk factors are within your power to control. Find out what they are. Learn the steps to lower your risk.

Unhealthy diet
Physical inactivity
Unhealthy weight
Smoking
Stress
Excessive alcohol & drug abuse

Learn about women’s unique risk factors

Conditions that are risk factors

Learn more about health conditions that can contribute to heart disease.

Sex

Your risk of heart disease and stroke increases after menopause... Read more

Age

The older you are, the higher your risk of heart disease.

Family and Medical History

If you have a close relative who has experienced heart disease at an early age, you are at an increased risk.

South Asian & African heritage

People of African or South Asian heritage are more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes or other risk factors.

Indigenous heritage

First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples are more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes. This puts them at greater risk of heart disease.

Personal circumstances

Personal circumstances and environmental factors have an influence on your health. This includes things such as access to healthy food, safe drinking water, health services and social services

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Heart news

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

In 2013, heart, stroke and blood vessel diseases accounted for nearly one third (30 per cent) of all deaths in Australia.
The biggest cause of death from heart disease and stroke is the progressive blocking of blood vessels with a build-up of fatty substances and cellular waste (plaques).
Plaque build-up in the arteries supplying blood to your heart muscle can trigger angina or a heart attack.
Plaque build-up and blood clots in arteries supplying blood to the brain can cause a stroke.
You can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by making healthy lifestyle choices and having regular medical check-ups.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

Aortic stenosis may be congenital (present from before birth), but is often diagnosed during teenage years.
Healthy eating and lifestyle changes can help to manage high blood pressure.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can increase your risk of heart attack, kidney failure and stroke.
Heart Foundation of Australia warns of the risk of high blood pressure and tells you what you can do to keep your blood pressure down.
CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn from an accredited organisation.

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Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

What are some things you can do to prevent heart disease and stroke?

8 Things You Can Do to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke.

Know your risk..

Eat a healthy diet..

Be physically active..

Watch your weight..

Live tobacco-free..

Manage conditions..

Take your medicine..

Be a team player..

What is the best way to prevent heart disease?

There are several ways you can reduce your risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD), such as lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels..

Eat a healthy, balanced diet. ... .

Be more physically active. ... .

Keep to a healthy weight. ... .

Give up smoking. ... .

Reduce your alcohol consumption. ... .

Keep your blood pressure under control..