Cardiovascular disease prevention
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Plan for Wales: An ABCD Plus Approach
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels and is a significant health issue within Wales, responsible for serious and life-threatening events such as heart attacks and strokes.
The major causes of CVD include:
- Atrial fibrillation (heart rhythm problems)
- Blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cholesterol (hyperlipidaemia)
- Diabetes
PLUS key behaviours such as smoking, diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption, alongside wider determinants of health, such as financial wellbeing.
Some of the strongest evidence for prevention comes from interventions which identify people at high risk of CVD and then reduces their ABCD Plus risk through medication, and risk-based advice and support.
The CVD Prevention Plan for Wales is the product of collaboration between partner organisations across Wales, which will enable us to address this challenge together. Read the CVD Prevention Plan for Wales.