Heart health

Our hearts work hard, beating between 60 to 100 times per minute, all day, every day.  That’s why it’s so important that we do all we can to look after them. 

Coronary heart disease is the most common form of cardiovascular disease, followed by stroke.  Together they accounted for 73% of cardiovascular deaths in Queensland in 2007.

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for both males and females in Queensland, although male rates are 60% higher and men are generally 5-10 years younger at diagnosis.

Amazingly, two-thirds of cardiovascular disease in Queensland is preventable!

The main factors affecting our hearts are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity and being overweight, as well as a poor diet including eating too many fatty and salty foods.  Smoking is also a major factor.  All of these risk factors also increase your chances of having a stroke.

So to keep your heart in tip top condition:

• Quit smoking
• Eat less salty foods and try to limit the amount of salt added in cooking
• Eat less fatty and fried foods
• Eat more vegetables and fruit
• Find at least 30 minutes of exercise every day
• Maintain a healthy weight - keep your waist circumference below 94cm
• Visit your GP for advice or to help you form a strategy for improving your heart health

For more information on heart health please visit the Heart Foundation.