Tracking Australia’s heart health

To understand whether the gap in burden of cardiovascular disease is changing over time for First Nations population compared to non-Indigenous population.

This helps us monitor progress towards the 25-year target to halve this gap.

The age-standardised mortality rate for ischaemic heart disease (coronary heart disease) indicates the number of deaths per 100,000 people (all persons) with an underlying cause of coronary heart disease.

The comparison between the First Nations population and the non-indigenous population has been provided as the gap and the ratio of their rates.

To understand the gap in prevalence of cardiovascular disease among First Nations people compared to non-Indigenous people and whether the gap is changing over time.

This helps us understand the gap in morbidity and monitor progress towards the 25-year target to halve this gap.

The age-standardised rate of self-reported cardiovascular conditions indicates the number of people (2 years and over) per 100 who reported having at least one cardiovascular condition. Cardiovascular conditions include coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and congenital heart defects.

The comparison between the First Nations population and the non-indigenous population has been provided as the gap and the ratio of their rates.

To understand changes over time in the number of people going to hospital emergency departments for cardiovascular disease among First Nations people compared to non-Indigenous people.

This informs us about changes in one aspect of the gap in morbidity and progress towards the 25-yr target to halve this gap.

The age-standardised rate (all ages) indicating the number of emergency department presentations with principal diagnosis of cardiovascular disease per 100,000 people. The comparison between the First Nations population and the non-indigenous population has been provided as the gap and the ratio of their rates.

Cardiovascular diseases include conditions defined by International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) codes I00–I99.

To understand whether the gap in burden of cardiovascular disease for First Nations population compared to non-Indigenous population is changing over time.

This informs us about changes in one aspect of the gap in morbidity and progress towards the 25-yr target to halve this gap.

The total (fatal and non-fatal) burden of disease for cardiovascular disease in disability adjusted life years (DALYs) per 1,000 people of all ages for both First Nations people and non-indigenous people in the reporting year. The comparison between the two populations has been provided as the gap and the ratio of their rates. Cardiovascular diseases include ICD-10 codes I00–I99.

People with ‘not-stated’ Indigenous status are excluded from any analysis by Indigenous status.

New diagnoses for rheumatic heart disease per 100,000 people (all ages) in the reporting year.

Includes data from Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Northern Territory. Excludes NSW.

To understand changes over time to the number of people going to hospital emergency departments for cardiovascular disease for people living in the lowest socioeconomic areas compared to the highest socioeconomic areas.

This helps us understand the morbidity of cardiovascular diseases with respect to socioeconomic determinants and helps us monitor progress towards the 25-year target to halve this gap.

The age-standardised rate (all ages) indicating emergency department presentations with principal diagnosis of cardiovascular disease per 100,000 people. The comparison between the lowest and highest socioeconomic areas has been provided as a rate ratio.

Cardiovascular disease includes ICD-10 codes I00–I99. Socioeconomic groups are classified according to population-based quintiles using the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage based on ASGS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) of usual residence.

To understand changes over time to the gap in burden of cardiovascular disease for people living in the lowest socioeconomic areas compared to the highest socioeconomic areas.

This helps us understand the morbidity of cardiovascular diseases with respect to socioeconomic determinants and helps us monitor progress towards the 25-year target to halve this gap.

The total (fatal and non-fatal) burden of disease for cardiovascular disease for the reporting year expressed in DALYs per 1,000 persons of all ages for the lowest and highest socioeconomic areas. The comparison between the two populations has been provided as a gap and a ratio. Cardiovascular disease includes ICD-10 codes I00–I99.

Socioeconomic groups are classified into five groups using the ABS Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage based on the ASGS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) of usual residence.

To understand changes over time to the number of people going to hospital emergency departments for cardiovascular disease for people living in major cities compared to remote and very remote areas.

Disadvantaged areas tend to be in regional and remote communities, while advantaged areas tend to be in major cities.

The age-standardised rate (all ages) indicating the number of emergency department presentations with principal diagnosis of cardiovascular disease per 100,000 people. The comparison between major cities compared to remote/very remote areas has been provided as a rate ratio.

Cardiovascular disease includes ICD-10 codes I00–I99. Remoteness areas are classified according to ASGS Remoteness Area structure based on Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) of usual residence.

The total (fatal and non-fatal) burden of disease for cardiovascular disease for the reporting year expressed in DALYs per 1,000 persons of all ages. The comparison between major cities compared to remote/very remote areas has been provided as a gap and a ratio.

Cardiovascular disease includes ICD-10 codes I00–I99. Remoteness areas are classified according to ASGS Remoteness Area structure based on Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) of usual residence.

To understand how much of the population is meeting the Australian Government’s physical activity guidelines and whether this is changing over time.

This helps us monitor progress towards the 25-year target to reach 80% population meeting physical activity guidelines.

The age-standardised rate indicating the proportion of persons 15 years and over who met the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines (2014) or the Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Young People (5 to 17 years) (2019) in the week prior to the survey.

Updated Australian physical activity guidelines were released in March 2026.¹

To understand the extent of healthy life lost from coronary heart disease or stroke due to lack of physical activity, and if it is changing over time.

This helps to understand the impact of changes in physical activity on heart health at the population level.

The sum of the total burden of disease for coronary heart disease and stroke that is attributable to physical inactivity measured in DALYs. Estimated for persons aged 20 and over.

Physical activity included the total rate of energy expended across 4 activity domains: leisure, transportation, occupational, and household.

To understand how much of the adult population is living with overweight and obesity, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions, and whether this is changing over time.

This helps us monitor progress towards the 25-year target to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity by 20%.

Proportion of persons 18 years and over who had a measured body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher at the time of the survey. The normal BMI range is 18.50 – 24.99.

BMI for adults is calculated from height and weight measurements.

To understand the extent to which children and young people are living with obesity and overweight, a risk factor for several chronic conditions.

This helps to monitor progress towards the 25-year target to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity by 20%.

Proportion of persons aged 5–17 years with a BMI classified as overweight or obese relative to thresholds specific to their age and sex.

BMI is calculated from height and weight measurements using the same formula that is used for adults. However, classification of BMI for persons under 18 years are the BMI thresholds vary by age and sex. For example, in 2022 a BMI classified as overweight or obese for boys or girls 5–17 years had a lower cut-off ranging from about 17 to 25 with specific thresholds for individuals depending on age and sex.¹

To understand the extent of healthy life lost from coronary heart disease or stroke due to overweight and obesity, and if it is changing over time.

This helps to understand the impact of changes in overweight and obesity on heart health at the population level.

The sum of the total burden of disease for coronary heart disease and stroke that is attributable to overweight and obesity measured in DALYs. Estimated for persons aged 5 and over.

Overweight and obesity were defined using BMI thresholds aligned with the ABS National Health Survey.

To understand how much of the adult population who smoke tobacco, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions, and whether this is changing over time.

This helps us monitor progress towards the 25-year target to reduce the prevalence of smoking to less than 5%.

To understand how much of the adult population is using e-cigarettes or vapes that contain nicotine, which is addictive, and whether this is changing over time. Emerging evidence has linked vaping to cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.²

This helps us monitor progress towards the 25-year target to reduce the prevalence of vaping to less than 5%.

To understand the extent of healthy life lost from coronary heart disease due to tobacco use, and if it is changing over time.

This helps to understand the impact of changes in smoking status on heart health at the population level.

The sum of the total burden of disease for coronary heart disease and stroke that is attributable to tobacco use measured in DALYs.

Includes current smoking, past smoking (persons aged 30 and over) and second-hand smoke (people of all ages) in the estimate of disease burden. Excludes vaping.

Proportion of total persons who reported that they usually had the recommended number serves of fruit (excluding drinks and beverages) that meet the Australian Dietary Guidelines.³

Values have been provided for two age ranges: adults (persons aged 18 years and over) and children and young people (persons aged 2 – 17 years).

Proportion of total persons who reported that they usually had the recommended number serves of vegetables (excluding drinks and beverages) that meet the Australian Dietary Guidelines.³

Values have been provided for two age ranges: adults (persons aged 18 years and over) and children and young people (persons aged 2 – 17 years).

To understand how much of the population is not adding salt to food they are eating or preparing at home, and whether this is changing over time.

High levels of sodium in the diet (usually consumed as table salt) can increase blood pressure, which is a risk factor for developing heart disease.

To understand how much sodium a person consumes on average through their food and beverages and whether this is changing over time.

High levels of sodium in the diet (usually consumed as table salt) can increase blood pressure, which is a risk factor for developing heart disease.

Average amount of sodium a person 18 years and over consumes daily from intake of food and beverages, measured in milligrams.

Includes sodium naturally present in foods as well as sodium added during food processing but may exclude the ‘discretionary salt’ added by consumers in home prepared foods or ‘at the table’.

To understand how much of the population is consuming alcohol below the maximum recommended levels and whether this is changing over time. This is particularly relevant among people who are over 65 years of age when risk of heart disease increases.

Alcohol in the diet can increase risk of heart disease and other health conditions.

To understand the extent of healthy life lost from coronary heart disease or stroke due to dietary risk factors, and if it is changing over time.

This helps to understand the impact of changes in dietary risk factors on heart health at the population level.

The sum of the total burden of disease for coronary heart disease and stroke that is attributable to dietary risk factors measured in DALYs. Estimated for persons aged 25 and over.

Includes ‘all dietary risks’ in the Australian Burden of Disease Study,⁵ diet low in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds, milk, fish and seafood, and polyunsaturated fats; and diet high in red meat, processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages.

To understand the extent of healthy life lost from coronary heart disease or stroke due to air pollution, and if it is changing over time.

This helps to understand the impact of changes in air quality on heart health at the population level.

The sum of the total burden of disease for coronary heart disease and stroke that is attributable to air pollution measured in DALYs. Estimated for persons aged 25 and over.

Air pollution includes particulate matter suspended in the air with a diameter in a specified size range, 0–2.5 microns, or PM_2.5.

To understand changes over time to how much of the population have had a clinical assessment of cardiovascular disease risk appointment with their GP (Heart Health Check).

This helps us monitor progress towards our 25-year target to reach over 80% eligible adults who have had a clinical assessment of cardiovascular risk.

Estimated proportion of persons eligible for a Medicare-subsidised Heart Health Check who have had one in the last year.

Estimates have been provided for persons aged 45 years and over and for persons aged 45 to 55 years.

The estimate of persons who have had a Heart Health Check in the last year was calculated using the number of Medicare Benefits Schedule claims for items 699 and 177 in the reporting calendar year, as a proxy for cardiovascular risk assessment. The total eligible population was defined by eligibility criteria as per MBS. The total eligible population was estimated using the estimated resident population (ERP) for each age group at June 30 of the reporting year, subtracted by the estimated number of adults in that age group with a heart, stroke or vascular disease, and the number of persons living in residential aged care on the 30^th June during the reporting year per age group or best estimate.

Assumptions used: (i) One Heart Health Check claim for MBS items 699 and 177 represents one unique person receiving a Heart Health Check in that year. The risk of double counting is low, due to eligibility rules specifying one claim per person per 12-month period; (ii) The best available data for the population of persons aged 35–44 years in residential aged care likely overestimates the true number, however the total number is small and does not affect the overall estimate in uptake.

Services Australia. Medicare Benefits Schedule Item Reports.

Australian Bureau of Statistics. Estimated Resident Population.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. GEN Aged Care CURF data.

~6 months

Availability of data sources: MBS item reports monthly, ABS ERP quarterly.

GEN Aged Care annually.

To understand changes over time to how much of the population have sufficient test results in their GP record to be ready for a clinical assessment of cardiovascular disease risk.

This helps us monitor progress towards our 25-year target to reach over 80% eligible adults who have had a clinical assessment of cardiovascular risk.

Proportion of regular GP practice clients aged 45 to 74 who have necessary risk factors in their GP record to receive a clinical assessment of absolute cardiovascular disease risk, according to national guidelines.²

Necessary risk factors to assess CVD risk include age, sex, tobacco smoking status, diabetes type or HbA1c result or fasting glucose tests, blood pressure and lipid levels. Excludes clients with established cardiovascular disease and/or with several other conditions who are already clinically determined to be at high risk of a cardiovascular event.

Data has national coverage from over 5,700 general practices through Primary Health Networks.

To understand changes over time in how much of the population has blood pressure levels in the normal range and whether it is getting closer to the 25-year target of 80% population with controlled blood pressure to risk of disease.

Hypertension (diagnosed high blood pressure) is a risk factor for heart disease and other chronic conditions.

To understand whether people are aware of their own blood pressure, and whether this awareness is changing over time.

Hypertension (diagnosed high blood pressure) is a risk factor for heart disease, which can be controlled with medication to reduce blood pressure in the normal range.

Two values have been provided to understand blood pressure awareness.

Proportion of persons 18 years and over who met both criteria (i) reported that they did not have hypertension (diagnosed high blood pressure) and (ii) had blood pressure in the high, very high or severely high range (140/90 mmHg and higher) measured.

Proportion of persons 18 years and over who have had their blood pressure measured in the last 2 years.

Number of times that blood pressure controlling medications were supplied over 1 year.

Includes medicines that were supplied as PBS-subsidised or under co-payment in the following Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) medicine groups: renin-angiotensin system agents (C09), calcium channel blockers (C08), beta-blocking agents (C07), diuretics (C03) and antihypertensives (C02).

To understand the extent of healthy life lost from coronary heart disease or stroke due to high blood pressure, and if it is changing over time.

This helps to understand the impact of changes in blood pressure levels on heart health at the population level.

The sum of the total burden of disease for coronary heart disease and stroke that is attributable to high blood pressure, expressed in DALYs.

Estimated in persons aged 25 and over based on exposure to high systolic blood pressure in mmHg (defined for this analysis as aged 35–64).

To understand how much of the population has cholesterol levels that place them at risk of cardiovascular disease and whether this is changing over time.

This helps us monitor whether it is getting closer to the 25-year target of reducing the proportion of people with high cholesterol by 50%.

To understand whether people are aware of their own cholesterol levels, and whether this awareness is changing over time.

High cholesterol, specifically LDL, is a risk factor for heart disease, which can be lowered with medication to help reduce risk of heart disease and stroke.

Number of times that cholesterol-lowering medications were supplied over 1 year.

Includes medicines in the Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) medicine group C10 lipid-modifying agents that were supplied as PBS-subsidised or under co-payment.

To understand the extent of healthy life lost from coronary heart disease or stroke due to high cholesterol, and if it is changing over time.

This helps to understand the impact of changes in cholesterol levels on heart health at the population level.

The sum of the total burden of disease for coronary heart disease and stroke that is attributable to high cholesterol expressed in DALYs.

Estimated in persons aged 25 and over based on exposure to high level of LDL cholesterol.

To understand what proportion of people survive a cardiac arrest out-of-hospital and whether this is changing over time.

This helps us monitor whether the survival rate is getting closer to the 25-year target of 30% survival rate.

Proportion of persons who survived to discharge from hospital OR survived to 30-days after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Collated from jurisdictional data on out-of-hospital cardiac arrests attended by an emergency medical services.^#

Proportion of persons who survived to discharge from hospital OR survived to 30-days after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest that had a shockable rhythm and was witnessed by a bystander.

Collated from jurisdictional data on out-of-hospital cardiac arrests attended by an emergency medical services.^#

To monitor any changes in defibrillator use by bystanders who witness someone having a cardiac arrest in the community.

Using a defibrillator as soon as possible after a cardiac arrest and before the emergency medical services arrive can greatly increase a person’s chance of survival.

Proportion of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests where a bystander used a defibrillator.

Collated from jurisdictional data on out-of-hospital cardiac arrests attended by an emergency medical services.^#

The age-standardised mortality rate representing deaths per 100,000 people with cardiovascular diseases as the underlying cause.

Cardiovascular diseases include ICD-10 codes I00–I99. Mortality rate values are provided for all persons, males and females.

To understand whether the extent of healthy life lost due to cardiovascular diseases across the population is changing over time, and to understand if there are differences between the disease burden for men and women.

This helps to monitor progress towards the 25-year target to improve the prognosis and quality of life of people living with heart disease.

The total (fatal and non-fatal) burden of disease for cardiovascular disease in DALYs per 1,000 persons for all persons, males and females.

Cardiovascular disease include ICD-10 codes I00–I99.

The age-standardised rate for hospitalisations with a principal diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (per 100,000 persons).

Values provided for all persons, males and females. Cardiovascular diseases include ICD-10 codes I00–I99.

Proportion of persons aged 18 years and over who are living with cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease or all three conditions (percentage of the total population).

Cardiovascular disease prevalence is based on self-reported data, diabetes prevalence is based on HbA1c and self-reported data, and chronic kidney disease prevalence on eGFR and ACR test results.

The age-standardised rate of hospitalisations for cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease or all three conditions (per 100,000 population). Includes persons aged 18 years and over. Excludes hospitalisation for dialysis.

Cardiovascular disease prevalence is based on self-reported data, diabetes prevalence is based on HbA1c and self-reported data, and chronic kidney disease prevalence on eGFR and ACR test results.