With heart disease being the leading cause of death in Australia, NSW residents aged 45 and over, or 30 and over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, are reminded to book in for their regular heart health check.
Health Minister Ryan Park joined fellow Members of Parliament at an event hosted by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in NSW Parliament to promote 10-minute Heart Health Checks.
"Heart disease, as we well know, is the leading cause of death in Australia. Simple initiatives like this one by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute are an ideal opportunity for early intervention - and they are literally saving lives," Mr Park said.
"The Heart Health Check is really easy and it takes just 10 minutes and included tests for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
"Picking up on problems early means you and your doctor can better manage and prevent other health issues from occurring further down the line.
"Nearly 40 per cent of the disease burden in Australia is due to risk factors such as the ones being measured in Heart Health Checks."
"Anyone looking for check-up on their heart health can book in with their GP for a Heart Health Check, who will help you better understand your risk of a heart attack or stroke and support you to lower this risk."
CEO and Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Professor Jason Kovacic, said the good news is that all three of these early indicators of possible heart disease can be changed by making improvements to your lifestyle.
"Making even small positive changes to your lifestyle, including your diet and activity levels can make a big difference to these risk factors and a person's overall heart health," Professor Kovacic said.
"The results of the test are presented to the person and if any measure is outside the normal range, they are recommended to make an appointment to see their GP."
Along with keeping physically active, the World Health Organisation recommends:
- Quitting smoking or not smoking at all
- Eating a healthy diet
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Looking after your weight
The NSW Healthy Eating and Active Living Strategy 2022-2032 outlines steps for achieving better health outcomes for all. The Strategy sets the foundation for collaboration between NSW Health, partner organisations and agencies to support keeping people healthy and well over the next decade.
The strategy includes a range of initiatives that support healthy living, including the Get Healthy Service, a free phone and online health coaching service, staffed by qualified health coaches.
It provides personalised support to anyone 16 years and over to maintain healthy eating habits, get active, reduce alcohol, and reach a healthy weight.
