February Is Australia’s Heart Health Month

February is the heart health awareness month in Australia, aiming to raise awareness on health-related diseases.

In the spirit of participating in the month-long celebration, this article explores ways to lessen the risks of developing heart disease – and how the team at First Aid Pro might help.

Overview

Heart disease is a widespread and complicated issue, both in Australia and worldwide. Coronary heart disease (CHD) accounts for more than 17,500 fatalities in our country, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

In 2017-18, around 580,000 Australians had coronary heart disease. The odds of being affected increase rapidly with age, affecting more people 75 years old and above. The term cardiovascular disease (also known as CHD) covers a number of conditions. These could include angina, heart attack or failure, arrhythmia, atrial defibrillation, and congenital heart disease.

The good news is that there are several things a person can do to improve heart health.

This February, we encourage everyone to focus on their cardiovascular health and understand the contributing factors and treatments involved.

Major Risk Factors

Several risk factors contribute to the development of heart disease. These include:

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Blood pressure varies with age and is affected by the activities a person is involved in, but a normal reading for resting an adult should be roughly around 120:80.

An increase in blood pressure levels raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. Many factors can contribute to this, with obesity and smoking being two of the most significant ones.

High Blood Cholesterol

High blood cholesterol is also raises the risks of developing heart disease. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found and produced in the body.

Cholesterol is needed for good health, but too much of it can damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.

Diabetes

Heart-related problems are the leading cause of fatality among people with diabetes. It is most particular in the case of adult-onset or type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependents.

Obesity And Overweight

Excessive weight can increase cholesterol levels and blood pressure, increases the odds of diabetes, and is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Smoking

Smoking can cause narrowing of the major arteries and can create irregularities in the timing of the heart rate, making it more difficult for this critical organ to function. 

Physical Inactivity

People with a sedentary lifestyle, or who don’t engage in any physical activity have a greater risk of heart attack than those who exercise regularly.

Heredity

Research shows that heart disease tends to run in families. Having a parent or a sibling with heart problems puts you at a greater risk than someone who does not have a family history.

8 Ways To Boost Heart Health

A key to living a long, healthy life is to level up in taking care of your heart. Here are some tips to help you with that.

• Monitor or control blood pressure levels
• Cut down on certain fats
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Watch out for diabetes risks
• Quit smoking
• Avoid alcohol
• Get regular exercise
• Less stress, live more

Improve heart health by following these tips. All these factors are connected. Therefore, it is essential to live a happy, healthy lifestyle and reduce stress. Do some exercise, practice yoga, and take a minute to relax to improve heart health.

Why Does Heart Health Month Matter?

Every February is National Heart Health Month, when we encourage Australians to learn more about the risks of heart disease, raising awareness of the dangers. And 2022 is no different. While many are still amid the pandemic, looking after oneself should be on topmost priority.

To better understand the risk factors, enrol in a first aid course.

Learn First Aid For Heart-Related Emergencies

On a positive note, there are steps to take to reduce the risks of heart disease. And there is no better time to take the first step than during the celebration of Heart Health Month.

Participating in a first aid course presents a valuable opportunity for groups and individuals to learn more about the risks of cardiovascular disease and what to do for someone suffering a heart attack or cardiac arrest. This heart health month, First Aid Pro focuses on supporting thousands of Australians to deliver life-saving emergency care, while encouraging people to take care of their hearts.

Visit our website to book a First Aid course today.