This Heart Week (28 April to 4 May 2019), New England residents are encouraged to visit their doctor for a Medicare-funded Heart Health Check to reveal their risk of two of the nation's biggest killers - heart attack and stroke.
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The New England and North West region has the highest rate of death from heart disease in NSW, according to data available at the Heart Foundation's Australian Heart Maps.
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The death rate in this region is 92 out of every 100,000 people, which is well above the NSW state average (about 67 out of every 100,000 people).
In terms of heart disease risk factors:
- Around 21 per cent of New England and North West region residents smoke;
- 19 per cent have high blood pressure;
- 74 per cent are not physically active enough for good health;
- 39 per cent are obese; and
- About 32 per cent have high cholesterol.
After years of campaigning, the Heart Foundation spearheaded the introduction of a Heart Health Check covered by Medicare, which became available on April 1.
"Australians aged 45 years and over, and Indigenous Australians from 30 years, can now see their GP for a Medicare-funded Heart Health Check to understand their risk of heart attack and stroke in the next five years," Kerry Doyle, Heart Foundation CEO NSW, said.
Nationally, it is estimated Australia's new Heart Health Check could prevent 76,500 heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart disease over the next five years, avoiding 42 heart events daily.
"Heart disease is the single biggest killer in NSW, yet we know that many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented by managing key risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and other lifestyle choices," Ms Doyle said.
"Heart disease is not always obvious - having a heart attack could be your first sign. Don't wait for chest pain; it could be too late. Get the vital tests you need by visiting your doctor for a Heart Health Check," she said.
As part of a Heart Health Check, your doctor will look at the risk factors that increase your likelihood of heart attack and stroke by reviewing your blood pressure, cholesterol, diet and lifestyle, and other factors such as family history.
Depending on your level of risk, your doctor may prescribe medication and recommend lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, being more active, and improving your diet.
Heart Week is an opportunity for the Australian public and healthcare professionals to start a conversation about heart health and the steps we can take to reduce our risk of heart disease.
Visit www.heartfoundation.org.au/heartweek or call the Heart Foundation Helpline on 13 11 12.
The Heart Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to fighting the single biggest killer of Australians - heart disease. For 60 years, it has led the battle to save lives and improve the heart health of all Australians. Its sights are set on a world where people don't suffer or die prematurely because of heart disease. To find out more about the Heart Foundation's research program or to make a donation, visit www.heartfoundation.org.au or call 13 11 12.
