A new treatment has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to help reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke for vulnerable Australians.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major health concern across the nation, with over 1.2 million Aussies affected by CVD, and 98,000 Australians experiencing a heart attack or stroke annually, with one in three people who experience a heart attack or stroke will have another major cardiovascular event within the following seven years.

Leading Cardiologist Professor Jason Kovacic explains though the risk in CVD is higher in regional centres and treatment for CVD in regional Australia is limited compared to those living in the cities, the ability to bring new therapies and make them accessible to locals in regional areas, is critical in their abilities to be able to reduce the risk of having a heart attack and stroke in the future.