Tobacco smoking, insufficient physical activity, poor nutrition, being overweight and excessive alcohol intake are key modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
General practitioners are ideally placed to raise awareness of lifestyle risk factors with their patients, and discuss and identify opportunities for improvement. It is important to remind patients that any improvement in these risk factors is beneficial in lowering cardiovascular risk.
Use the links below to access guidelines, other clinical information and resources, and patient resources.
Guidelines
Reducing risk in heart disease
These guidelines provide clinical recommendations for the management of lifestyle risk factors in those with, or at high risk of, coronary heart disease.
- Reducing Risk in Heart Disease (updated 2008) – full guidelines
Download
- Reducing Risk in Heart Disease (updated 2008) – summary
Download
Physical activity
- Physical activity recommendations for people with cardiovascular disease (2006)
Download
- Physical activity in patients with cardiovascular disease:
management algorithm and information for general practice (2006)
Download
Nutrition
- Click here for Heart Foundation information on nutrition and cardiovascular disease.
Other Clinical Information and Resources
Patient Resources
Refer your patients to our Health Information Service for brochures and more information. Available resources are listed below.
Smoking
- Smoking
- Cigarette smoking – information sheet
Download
- Second-hand smoke and your health – information sheet (2008)
Download
- Quitline: 13 78 47 or www.quit.org.au (clicking this link will take you to another website)
Healthy eating
Physical activity
Healthy weight
- Healthy weight
- Losing weight the healthy way – pocket guide
Download To order your free single printed copy of this booklet, please contact our Health Information Service on 1300 36 27 87.
Want to give your patients more information but lack the time? Refer them to our Health Information Service on 1300 36 27 87.