Data from the Heart Foundation suggests at-risk Australians do not have up-to-date tests for high blood pressure and high cholesterol – two of the leading risk factors for heart disease.
More than 61,000 eligible Australians (36%) in the at-risk 45-74 group have failed to have blood pressure and cholesterol tested within recommended guidelines.
The data was taken from analysis of 172,366 deidentified patient records.
Just as concerning are figures showing 15 per cent of eligible Australians (25,315 people) missed crucial blood pressure tests in the last two years and 29 per cent (50,501 people) have now gone more than five years without a cholesterol check.
Heart Foundation Risk Reduction Manager Natalie Raffoul says the results are a wakeup call.
“High blood pressure and cholesterol are often silent or symptom free, yet they are two of the biggest risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Too many times, we hear of people who think they’re fine but don’t realise they’re a ticking time bomb,” she said.
“It’s not uncommon that a heart attack or stroke is the first sign that something is wrong. It’s devastating because these conditions are largely preventable and can be treated if they’re picked up and managed.”
The Heart Foundation is encouraging anyone over 45 (or 30 for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Australians) to see their GP for a Heart Health Check.
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