RedFeb is an annual event acknowledged by Heart Research Australia, that invites individuals to don the colour red in solidarity with loved ones impacted by heart disease. It serves as a beacon of hope, rallying communities to raise awareness for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various heart conditions, from coronary heart disease (CHD) to heart failure, valve issues and arrhythmias.

Northern Health Heart Failure Nurse Practitioner, Vikki Hannah, says many people may not be aware of their risk factors for heart disease, as some risk-factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, have no symptoms.

“It’s never too late to manage your risk of heart disease and improve your heart health. Some risk factors for heart disease are beyond your control, such as age, gender, ethnicity and family history, but there is no one cause for heart disease. Most heart attacks and strokes can be prevented with healthy choices,” Ms Hannah says.

Heart disease stands as Australia’s primary cause of death, with 18,590 fatalities attributed to it in 2017, claiming an Australian life every 28 minutes. An alarming 90 per cent of Australians possess at least one heart disease risk factor, highlighting the urgency of proactive health management. The more risk factors for coronary heart disease you have, the greater your chance of developing it.

The good news is that for most risk factors, you can do something about them.

Risks you can control:

• Smoking
• Cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Being inactive
• Diabetes
• Being overweight
• Unhealthy diet

Risks you can’t control:

• Age: As you get older, your risk of heart disease increases
• Gender: Men are at higher risk of heart disease. Women’s risk grows and may be equal to men after menopause
• Ethnic background: People of some origins (e.g. from the Indian sub-continent) have higher risk
• Family history: If someone in your family has cardiovascular disease, speak to your doctor about your risk.

Unfortunately, there are an increasing number of people presenting to the emergency department of hospitals experiencing a heart attack, with none of the traditional modifiable risk factors such as genetics, smoking, and hypertension.

Ms Hannah also highlighted that research shows women are much less likely to undergo treatment for a heart attack or angina in hospital compared to men. Even though chest pain is a common heart attack symptom for both genders, women may experience different symptoms like back pain, vomiting or indigestion.

“Despite the rising number of people having heart attacks without traditional risk factors, there is hope in prevention. By making healthy choices and staying informed, we can protect our hearts and the hearts of those we care about,” she said.

For more information on RedFeb, please visit www.heartresearch.com.au/redfeb

Featured image: Cardiology team, Northern Health