New Study In Australia Shows Heart Disease More Prominent Among The Poor

A new report on the study conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has found that poorer Australians suffer from death in the hands of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease at rates that are higher rates than the rest of the community.

The researchers have also reported in their study that people in lower socio-economic groups are more likely to be taken to hospital for the disease. The researchers have explained that their study was conducted by following the trends for the disease from 1992 to 2002.

Lynelle Moonon of the researchers has explained that though the overall deaths have decreased the percentage of those from lower socio-economic groups who are being affected has increased. She said, "We're monitoring both the level of inequality in cardiovascular disease but also looking at changes over time, so we can see how we are going over time, in terms of inequalities."

She further clarified that, "Looking at the trends, we found that the increased risk of dying or being hospitalized because of cardiovascular disease is tending to increase over time. We found that the gap between the rich and poor is quite large, with rates for the most disadvantaged being around 35 per cent higher than the rates for the least disadvantaged."

It was explained that the study has not attempted to determine the cause for the inequality, but does explain that the risk factors for cardiovascular disease like smoking, lack or reduced physical activity and obesity are relatively common among the poorer people.