Health Health Week 5-11th May 2025

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in Australia and worldwide. Heart Week, celebrated annually in May, raises awareness about heart health, encourages conversations, and motivates proactive steps to reduce risk, empowering communities to make informed cardiovascular health choices.

Understanding Heart Week

Heart Week, occurring each May, invites Australians to talk openly about heart health. It reminds us that heart disease can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle. With diseases like coronary artery disease affecting around 2.4 million Australians, it is crucial to highlight the various factors that contribute to heart disease. This week also encourages people to adopt healthier habits to safeguard their future.

The Importance of Heart Health

Maintaining heart health is crucial for well-being, as the heart circulates oxygen and nutrients. Poor heart health can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that over 1.2 million Australians have heart disease, with many unaware of their risk factors.

Taking steps to improve heart health can lead to a longer, healthier life. Regular health check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and candid discussions about heart health are essential components of combating this serious issue.

Initiating the Conversation

Heart Week is an ideal time for families and friends to discuss heart health. Sharing personal and family medical histories can uncover risk factors and encourage positive changes, as a family history of heart disease can increase an individual's risk by up to 50%.

Identifying Risk Factors

Understanding the common risk factors of heart disease is crucial for prevention.

• High blood pressure: Often unnoticed, it affects nearly one in three Australian adult

• High cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol can lead to plaque build-up, narrowing the arteries and raising heart disease risk by up to 2-3 times.

• Smoking: Tobacco use increases heart disease risk significantly, accounting for about 20% of heart deaths in Australia.

• Obesity: Excess weight puts stress on the heart and doubles the likelihood of heart disease.

• Sedentary lifestyle: The lack of physical activity contributes to heart issues, increasing risk by about 30%.

• Unhealthy diet: Diets rich in processed foods and sugars are linked to a 20% increased risk of heart disease.

Recognising these factors allows individuals to take preventative actions, like regular heart health check-ups that monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels for early intervention.

Positive Steps to Reduce Risk

Heart Week is an ideal time to discover and implement practical steps to lower heart disease risk. Consider these actionable tips:

1. Maintain a balanced diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Research shows that a plant-based diet can lower heart disease risk by up to 40%.

2. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, like brisk walking or cycling. Studies reveal that even small amounts of regular exercise can reduce heart disease risk by nearly 30%.

3. Quit smoking: If you smoke, seek resources to help you quit. This choice can improve your heart health almost immediately.

4. Manage stress: Activities such as yoga and meditation can significantly reduce chronic stress levels, which in turn benefits heart health.

5. Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking in moderation can prevent an increase in blood pressure and reduce heart damage over time.

6. Prioritise regular health check-ups: Routine visits help identify and address risk factors early, allowing for effective management.

By embracing these habits, individuals can take substantial steps toward better heart health and a lower risk of heart disease.

DON'T DELAY BOOK YOUR HEART HEALTH CHECK TODAY!