HEART WEEK

A message from Cathie Hufton, our Preventative Health team leader

I saw a patient last week who had a recent heart attack. He was in his 60’s and like most people in this age group he rarely saw a GP, he was on no medication and was rarely sick – he thought he was healthy.

Unfortunately, this man was one of the 4 people that have a heart attack or stroke every 4 min in Australia and like more than 1million Australians aged between 30-65 was at high risk of having a heart attack or stroke — but did not even know he was at risk.

To reduce your risk of heart attack, heart disease and stroke you need to understand the risk factors;

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Lack of regular exercise and poor diet
• Family history of cardiovascular disease

Please make an appointment to see your GP to discuss your heart health. I say to the patients I see in the Preventative Health Department make an appointment with your GP and Ask your doctor-

What are my risks of cardiovascular disease?

Are my cholesterol, sugar levels, height/weight, and blood pressure all within a normal range?

Does your GP know if you have a family history of heart disease?

For more information please access the Heart Foundation website through the following link Keeping your heart healthy | The Heart Foundation

If you have had a recent heart attack and would like more information and support at home

Find a cardiac rehabilitation centre near you | The Heart Foundation

Be Heart Health Aware.

From, the Preventative Health Team.

Contact us to find out more or to arrange for an assessment.