Heart Health awareness week

The first of May signifies the start of Australia’s national heart health awareness week. This campaign is raising awareness of heart disease and provides an opportunity for health professionals and the public to start a conversation about cardiovascular health.

Why is it important?
Ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia with approximately one person suffering a heart attack or stroke every 4 minutes.

What causes it?
Over time arteries can get clogged with a fatty material called atheroma, this process is called atherosclerosis. Eventually arteries can get so clogged that this can restrict oxygen rich blood getting to the heart. This is referred to as ischaemic heart disease.

Factors that increase the risk of heart disease developing are raised blood pressure, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol.

What can be done to help prevent it?
Simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease developing. These could include stopping smoking, increasing your exercise, healthy eating and looking at your alcohol intake. Medication can also play a role.

SBMWP is currently offering appointments for a Medicare subsidised “Heart Health Check” for eligible patients of 45 years or older. This is an appointment with a doctor to assess your possible risk factors and discuss ways of preventing problems developing in the future.

Please speak to a member of our reception team to check eligibility on 0390708170.
https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bundles/get-involved/heart-week
https://www.quit.org.au/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/heart-disease-and-food
https://www.heartresearch.com.au/heart-disease/exercise/
https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bundles/your-heart/blood-pressure-and-your-heart