Determinants and Interventions for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Published: 24 June 2018
Published: 24 June 2018
The other main chronic diseases are: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arthritis, back pain, cancer, and mental health conditions (Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing 2018).
It is important that nurses understand that chronic diseases are on the rise and are a priority area for the health system. Unfortunately, at present chronic diseases affect half of the Australian population, with over 11 million people having at least one of the eight chronic conditions (as per records from 2014-2015) (AIHW, 2018)
The Department of Health (2016) describes CVD – cardiovascular disease – as being an umbrella-term for ‘diseases of the heart and blood vessels’, including:
(AIHW 2016a)
Evidently, not all of these determinants can be changed, but it is the aim of evidence-based interventions to reduce risk factors for disease and prevent complications or deaths from chronic disease (Kumar, 2017).
CVD is claimed to be the main cause of death on a global scale, and it has a climbing incidence. Kumar (2017) states that better access to healthcare could help to prevent CVD.
Determinants of CVD (with stronger evidence links) generally fall under one of the following:
(AIHW 2016b)
(Department of Health 2016; Hartley et al. 2014; Alyami et al. 2016; Clar et al. 2015)
(Kumar 2017)
(Department of Health 2016)
Madeline Gilkes, CNS, RN, is a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine. She focused her master of healthcare leadership research project on health coaching for long-term weight loss in obese adults. In recent years, Madeline has found a passion for preventative nursing, transitioning from leadership roles (CNS Gerontology & Education, Clinical Facilitator) in hospital settings to primary healthcare nursing. Madeline’s vision is to implement lifestyle medicine to prevent and treat chronic conditions. Her brief research proposal for her PhD application involves Lifestyle Medicine for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Madeline is working towards Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE) status and primarily works in the role of Head of Nursing. Madeline’s philosophy focuses on using humanistic management, adult learning theories/evidence and self-efficacy theories and interventions to promote positive learning environments. In addition to her Master of Healthcare Leadership, Madeline has a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education & Management, Graduate Certificate in Adult & Vocational Education, Graduate Certificate of Aged Care Nursing, and a Bachelor of Nursing. See Educator Profile