What is Chronic Heart Disease?

Good Country Physio
Mar 18
2 min read

Updated: Mar 25

Chronic heart disease (also called cardiovascular disease) includes different conditions that affect how well the heart works over time. One common condition is coronary heart disease, which develops when the arteries that carry blood to the heart become narrow because of plaque build-up. Plaque is made of fat and cholesterol. This narrowing can reduce blood flow and cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, dizziness, or even a heart attack.

Heart failure is another type of heart disease. It means the heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. This can make people feel very tired, short of breath, or cause swelling in their legs, ankles, or feet. Some people may also have a fast or irregular heartbeat. Other conditions include problems with the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) and issues with the heart valves, which control blood flow inside the heart.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Several things can increase the risk of developing heart disease, many of which can be managed and controlled.

Potential Risk Factors

Smoking – Increases plaque build-up in the arteries.
High blood pressure – Puts extra strain on the heart.
High cholesterol – Can lead to blocked arteries.
Diabetes – Increases the risk of heart disease.
Being overweight – Makes the heart work harder.
Lack of exercise – Affects heart health and circulation.
Unhealthy diet – Too much salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats can harm the heart.

Heart disease is a major health concern in Australia, causing one in four deaths. But the good news is that many heart conditions can be prevented or managed with the right support and lifestyle choices.

Have Your Say!

As part of their Health Promotion placement at Good Country Physiotherapy, UniSA students Angus and Laura are running a survey to better understand community awareness and experiences with chronic heart disease. Your feedback will help shape local resources and support for heart health!

Complete their short survey here: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

It only takes a few minutes, and your input is greatly appreciated!

Stay Tuned!

Next week, we’ll be sharing practical ways to prevent and manage chronic heart disease, including how physiotherapy can play a role in keeping your heart healthy. Keep an eye out for our next blog post to learn more!

Helpful Resources

For more information, visit: