While CVD death rates have fallen in past decades in Australia, the disease burden remains high.1 In 2024, CVD was the underlying cause of 23% of deaths.1 Patients without established CVD, and between the ages of 45 and 79 years are eligible for risk assessment using the Australian CVD risk calculator.2 Individuals with diabetes and First Nations people are eligible for assessment even earlier.2 Timely assessment enables GPs to initiate appropriate early preventive treatments and support patients in lowering their risk over the long term. However, many eligible patients are not undergoing CVD risk assessment that could save their lives.2 One Australian study found that among high-risk patients admitted to hospital without established CVD and with a first CV event, 4 in 5 were not on correct preventative therapy.2
This educational module provides an overview of how to conduct a CV risk assessment in eligible patients, with consideration of patient factors such as kidney health, ethnicity and family history, as well as how to initiate evidence‑based preventive therapy (including lipid‑lowering treatment) and provide sustained support for those at high cardiovascular risk.
References
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/hsvd-fac… Accessed July 2026.
- Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Health and Aged Care. Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk. 2023.
- Bailey A, Korda R, et al. Absolute cardiovascular disease risk score and pharmacotherapy at the time of admission in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome due to coronary artery disease in a single Australian tertiary centre: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2021;11:e038868.
This module is supported by an independent medical education grant from Menarini.
Learning outcomes
Presenters
A/Prof Audehm has over 35 years as a full time GP with interest in chronic disease management and quality improvement in general practice. He has close links to the Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, and participates in research and teaching of medical students.
A/Prof Nelson is an early career interventional cardiologist and clinical triallist with academic and clinical interests in dyslipidaemia, obesity and diabetes.
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