This week, leading heart charities unite to help raise awareness of high cholesterol – a condition that affects approximately 2.1 million Australians,1 with the launch of Australia’s first ever Cholesterol Awareness Week (11-17 November).
Known as the ‘silent disease’ as it often presents with no symptoms, high cholesterol is a critical risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), an umbrella term for diseases caused by fatty deposits silently building up in the arteries.3,5If left untreated, ASCVD can lead to heart attacks and strokes, accounting for 85% of all cardiovascular-related deaths worldwide.6
In recent years, ASCVD was the underlying cause of nearly a quarter (45,000) of all deaths in Australia, significantly contributing to the $14.3 billion in healthcare costs attributed to cardiovascular diseases (CVD).3
Spearheaded by Hearts4heart, Heart Support Australia and Heartbeat of Sport, Cholesterol Awareness Week aims to empower all Australians with the knowledge and resources they need to take proactive steps towards managing high cholesterol at both individual and policy levels.
As a crucial first step, the campaign encourages all Australians to speak to their doctor to understand their personal risks of high cholesterol.
“We all have it, we all need it— but concerningly, most Australians have limited understanding of what cholesterol is and the true impact it can have on our heart health,” said Tanya Hall, CEO and founder of Hearts4heart. “High cholesterol and ASCVD can be prevented and managed. The key is in early detection, so we urge all Australians to be heart smart and speak to their doctor about a heart health check-up, today.”
As part of Cholesterol Awareness Week 2024, free heart screenings will be available to all adults attending the VAILO Adelaide 500, from 14 to 17 November.
“By bringing free heart testing directly to local sports grounds, events and communities, we help people to #KnowYourNumbers and make healthier choices,” said Andy Paschalidis, founder of Heartbeat of Sport.
“We’re thrilled to make heart checks more accessible at community sporting events across Australia, helping to reduce the number of cardiac incidents nationwide.”
Dr Christian Verdicchio, CEO of Heart Support Australia emphasised the importance of the simple steps all Australians can take to prevent heart conditions.
“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and hospitalisations in the country and it can be prevented by prioritising a simple appointment with your GP or cardiologist,” said Dr Verdicchio.
“Many Australians who survive cardiac events wish they had started the conversation sooner. Don’t wait – speak to your healthcare professional today. It could save your life.”
Effective management of high cholesterol and ASCVD often requires changes to lifestyle behaviours, including diet and physical activity, and may involve adherence to medication.7As such, regular consultations and open communication between patients and healthcare practitioners are essential for effective management of the condition.3
Hearts4heart recently contributed to a multi-national patient-led research initiative, Insights from Patients Living with Elevated Cholesterol (IPEC) study, to understand the realities of living with high cholesterol and ASCVD. The first ever patient research identified critical gaps in education throughout a patient’s care journey, revealing that patients often feel disconnected from key decision-making processes.3
“General practitioners, specialists, nurses and allied healthcare professionals are on the front lines of this silent epidemic,” said Professor Gemma Figtree AM, Chair of the multi-disciplinary Cardiovascular Initiative at the University of Sydney, “By actively engaging with patients about their cholesterol levels and risk factors, and empowering them to take initiative in their care, we can play a pivotal role in enhancing health literacy and outcomes.”
The IPEC study also supports a ‘bottom-up’ approach to drive change through conversations, education and awareness, at a local level.3
“Unfortunately, high cholesterol is often underestimated by both the public and policy makers,” said Ms Hall. “We hope that this joint initiative helps spark meaningful dialogue to ensure the needs of people impacted by high cholesterol are identified and addressed by policy makers.
“Prioritising and funding support at a community level is the key to improving outcomes for both the individual and healthcare system.”
To access resources and information about Cholesterol Awareness Week, visit: https://hearts4heart.org.au/event/cholesterol-awareness-week-11-17-november-2024/
References
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023). High Cholesterol. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/high-cholesterol/2022
- Exploring the results from the Insights from Patients Living with Elevated Cholesterol (IPEC) study.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (n.d.). Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts, summary. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Hyperlipidemia. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21656-hyperlipidemia
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (n.d.). Biomedical risk factors. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/biomedical-risk-factors
- World Health Organization (WHO). (n.d.). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (n.d.). Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts, risk factors for heart, stroke and vascular disease. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au
