Australia: challenges and opportunities for cardiologists

Heart disease, stroke, and vascular disease, collectively referred to as cardiovascular disease (CVD), are substantial health concerns in Australia affecting 1.3 million people-1 in 20 of the population.As well as contributing to mortality and morbidity, CVD places a strain on healthcare budgets, and although CVD prevalence has been declining since the 1980s due to improved interventions and medication, it remains the country's biggest killer.According to official figures, in 2022, CVD was responsible for 24% of total deaths (Figure 1A).Two prominent Australian cardiologists-Ben Freedman and David Brieger-give their perspective on some of the achievements and challenges their country faces in relation to cardiovascular health.Prof. Freedman is the