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.
In addition to the ‘CVD Prevention Plan for Wales’, our second publication ‘CVD Prevention Plan for Wales: Recommendations for Wales’ builds on the original plan by setting out 12 recommendations to help partners take action on CVD prevention. These recommendations focus on supporting citizens and communities to know their risk and take action, and enabling the health and care system to identify, treat and support people with ABCD Plus risk factors.
The recommendations provide a structured approach for national, regional and local partners to prioritise and embed action in planning and delivery. This will support our shared goal of reducing CVD-related deaths and disability and reducing inequalities in CVD outcomes across Wales. Read the CVD Prevention Plan for Wales: Recommendations for Wales.