The Federal Government has announced funding of $170,000 to develop a National Heart and Stroke Action Plan in partnership with both the National Heart Foundation and Stroke Foundation.

The initiative recognises the increasing burden of disease associated with an ageing population and growing risk factors such as overweight and obesity.

While the announcement does not come with any commitment to implementing such a plan, Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan commended the initiative.

“We look forward to working with the medical community and key stakeholders to look into what gaps might be present in prevention, treatment, recovery and research,” Ms McGowan said.

“The development of a National Heart and Stroke Action Plan will set the agenda for the next decade’s action on heart disease and stroke. It will help guide resource allocation to life-saving interventions and improve the quality of life for those living with cardiovascular disease.”

On the Stroke Foundation’s wish list are an online clinical support tool to help embed the latest stroke clinical guidelines into hospital practice and more support for post discharge follow up services.

National Heart Foundation Group CEO Adjunct Professor John Kelly said the plan was an opportunity to avoid premature deaths through a coordinated response to cardiovascular disease.

“The Action Plan will plug gaps in Australia’s approach to the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease to reduce risk, improve detection and outcomes for patients, and reduce the immense impact cardiovascular disease has on the health system and the community.”

“It will also help ease pressure on health systems by reducing avoidable hospital admissions.”