Rising rates of Type 2 diabetes and obesity are ushering in a new era of heart disease and jeopardising national life expectancy gains, according to a new report.

The Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute says the previously declining death rate from cardiovascular disease has flattened in the past five years amid a spike in diabetes and obesity, plus a new epidemic of age-related conditions.

Director Tom Marwick says the report is a “wake-up call to end cardiovascular complacency”.

He says there is a false perception heart disease is “under control”, but it afflicts more than 3.7 million Australians, killing 45,000 people each year, and costs more than any other condition.

The report calls for a national cardiovascular disease strategy, and regulation and public policy to prevent overconsumption of sugar and salt.

It demands support for health professionals to ensure people with known heart disease risk factors are treated in line with recommended targets, and the introduction of preventative lifestyle strategies at an early age.

“We have the tools at our disposal to treat Australians at risk better, and to tackle the root causes of obesity and Type 2 diabetes,” Professor Marwick said.

The report says Australian life expectancy has increased by more than a decade over the past 50 years, mostly due to fewer deaths from heart, stroke and blood vessel disease, but these improvements are “in jeopardy”.

“Adding further fuel to the fire, too many Australians with risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, remain untreated or not treated to recommended targets,” Professor Marwick said.

The number of Australians projected to suffer from irregular heartbeat, which increases the risk of stroke five-fold, is projected to increase by 60% over the next 15 years.