Heart health
Our hearts work hard, beating all day, every day. That is why it is so important to take care of them.
Coronary heart disease is the most common form of cardiovascular disease.
Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death for both males and females in Queensland, but males are often hospitalised with heart disease at a younger age and have a higher death rate than women.
Two-thirds of heart disease deaths in Queensland are preventable.
The main preventable risk factors affecting the heart are:
- high blood pressure
- high blood cholesterol
- physical inactivity
- excess weight
- unhealthy eating, including eating foods with saturated fats or added salt and low fruit and vegetable intake
- smoking
To keep your heart healthy:
- quit smoking
- eat a wide range of healthy foods
- do at least 30 minutes of exercise on most, preferably all, days of the week
- achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- visit your doctor for advice or to help you form a strategy for improving your heart health.
If you are deemed to be at high risk of or have heart disease your doctors may prescribe further lifestyle changes and medication. It’s important to follow this advice and take your medicines as prescribed.
The Heart Foundation has more information on heart disease and how to keep your heart healthy.
