The Heart Foundation has advised that every four minutes one Australian will have a heart attack or a stroke. In fact, around 1.4 million Australians have a high chance of having a stroke or heart attack within the next five years.
Many people however, are unaware they may be suffering from underlying factors that could lead to heart disease and other heart problems. Risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol for example, can be silent indicators that could lead to issues affecting the heart later in life, if not treated in time. That’s why it’s important to have regular Heart Health check-ups with your GP to help identify and potentially lower your risk of heart disease.
What are some lifestyle factors that can impact your Heart Health?
- – Your diet
- Your level of physical activity
- If you smoke or drink alcohol
- Whether you are maintaining a healthy weight
- Your personal and family medical histories.
Who should get a Heart Health Check?
The Heart Foundation recommends that anyone who is 45 years and over, or 30 years and older if you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander decent, should book a Heart Health check annually with their GP.
It’s important to realise that Heart Health checks should be a regular part of your health check-up routine.