The Heart Foundation is urging Australians to “Never miss a beat” by visiting their GP for a heart health check during Heart Week (6-12 May).
Heart failure is a leading cause of death and hospitalisation in Australia, especially in older people, with over half a million Australians affected. The issue is particularly important in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs with a median age almost 15 years higher than the Victorian average.
Preventive measures and early diagnosis are essential for good management. The Heart Foundation is urging health professionals to engage their patients about heart health.
“We spend more money on the treatment of heart disease and stroke than almost any other area of health,” said Professor Stephen Nicholls, Director, Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University. “The greatest potential we really have to impact heart disease is to look at prevention. When it comes to risk factors for heart disease like blood pressure and cholesterol we want people to not just know their numbers, we want them to own their numbers. The best way to do this is to get a Heart Health Check and make an action plan with your GP.”
The problem is not restricted to men although that is a common perception. “Heart disease is a major killer of women in Australia, and women are frequently diagnosed later and with more severe diseases than men,” said cardiologist Dr Esther Davis. “Many women underestimate their risk of developing heart disease and may not recognise symptoms of heart disease, which are often experienced differently in women.
“Despite major advances, women with heart disease continue to be under-investigated and under-treated, and are less likely to be included in research to help us understand heart disease.”
High blood pressure is an important risk factor in heart disease.“High blood pressure is a preventable and treatable disease,” said . Associate Professor Francine Marques of the Monash School of Biological Sciences. “During Heart Week, we are encouraging everyone to have their blood pressure measured.
“Our blood pressure increases as we age, so even if you had your blood pressure measured in the past and it was normal, it is essential to do it again – this is particularly important for women, as our blood pressure can increase quite substantially after menopause.
Heart Week is Australia’s national heart health awareness week held in May each year. It provides an opportunity for the Australian public and health professionals to start a conversation about heart health and take positive steps to reduce their heart disease risk.
