Introducing our speakers
speech abstract
Cardiovascular risk management – the keystone for heart health improvement
Coronary heart disease death rates in New Zealand have declined in
during the past 30 years. However cardiovascular disease still remains
the most important cause of death, much of which is premature and
preventable. There are also wide socioeconomic, ethnic and access
related disparities in cardiovascular health. Furthermore, a new wave
of coronary heart disease is now emerging in New Zealand in relatively
younger people probably related to the epidemic of obesity and diabetes
which could increase present disparities even more.
A concerted and balanced approach to cardiovascular disease and
coronary heart disease in particular is required across the heart
health continuum. The heart health continuum is consistent with the
continuum of wellness and disease but is specifically action and
intervention orientated, underpinned by an evidence-based care
approach. The heart health continuum extends from public health and
population health through acute and chronic disease management to
rehabilitation. In population health for preventive purposes,
cardiovascular disease and diabetes are the 'same thing'. There is a
need for cohesion, clarity and consistency of messaging and programmes
for both of these.
Cardiovascular risk assessment and management (including diabetes) is
the keystone in the heart health continuum linking population health
and clinical care. Systematic and focused implementation of the
Cardiovascular Risk Guideline (NZGG 2003) through primary care offers
the opportunity for substantial improvement in heart health outcomes
and reduction of disparities in a reasonably short period of time. This
implementation challenge requires a team based approach and appropriate
resources and should be given topmost priority.
For primary care clinicians, the keystone in the heart health continuum
is cardiovascular risk assessment and management. Cardiovascular risk
links population health promotion and clinical care. Systematic
implementation of evidence-based guidelines through primary care offer
the opportunity for substantial improvement in heart health outcomes in
a relatively short period of time. This implementation challenge should
be a priority for all primary care clinicians.
biography
Norman Sharpe was formerly Head of the Department of Medicine and Head of the School of Medicine in the University of Auckland.
He was inaugural Chair of the New Zealand Guidelines Group and a member
of the expert advisory group for the New Zealand Health Strategy 2000.
His research interests have been broad spanning preventive and
clinical cardiology. He is currently Emeritus Professor in the
University of Auckland and Medical Director of the National Heart
Foundation of New Zealand.
news and information
Wise Use of Antibiotics 2007
08-August-2007
The Wise use of Antibiotics is in its tenth year. It aims to raise...
Launch of the Wise Use of Antibiotics campaign
10-August-2006
Do you need pills for winter ills?
With cold and flu season upon...
One Heart Many Lives campaign up and running in the Hawke's Bay
02-June-2006
The PHARMAC team are working together with Hawke's Bay DHB and a ra...
Conference DVD available now
22-November-2005
The 2005 WCMAD Conference DVD is available in two versions. The edited...
Antibiotic resistance still growing
10-October-2005
Some bacteria are becoming resistant to a number of antibiotics at a...
PHARMAC and Social Marketing
10-October-2005
PHARMAC uses social marketing techniques in the development and...