The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considerable, despite many advances in diagnosis, clinical management and drug therapy. The World Health Organization estimates 30% of global deaths are attributable to CVD and whilst mortality rates in developed countries are falling, it remains the largest single cause of death (WHO, 2007). Nineteen out of every 100 deaths in Australia are attributed to CVD, with an annual cost of $1.47 billion (AIHW, 2006).