An organisation called hearts4heart, a leading heart charity, is uniting to help raise awareness of high cholesterol — a condition that affects an estimated 2.1 million Australians, with the launch of Australia's first Cholesterol Awareness Week (November 11-17).
Tanya Hall, CEO of hearts4heart provides an explanation of cholesterol known as the 'silent disease' because it often causes no symptoms.
High cholesterol is a critical risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a general term for a disease caused by fatty deposits that accumulate silently in the arteries.
In recent years, ASCVD is the underlying cause of almost a quarter (45,000) of all deaths in Australia, significantly contributing to the $14.3 billion in health care costs attributed to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Effective management of high cholesterol and ASCVD often requires changes in lifestyle behaviors, including diet and physical activity, and may involve adherence to medication.
As such, regular consultations and open communication between patients and health care practitioners are essential for effective condition management.
Hearts4heart recently participated in Insights from Patients Living with Elevated Cholesterol (IPEC) organized by the multinational.
(IPEC) study, highlighting the real experiences of those managing high cholesterol and ASCVD.
The first study of its kind highlights critical gaps in education during the journey of patient care, revealing that many patients feel disconnected from key decision-making processes.
With the IPEC study advocating a grassroots approach, which emphasises change through local conversation, education and awareness,
Hearts4Heart spearheaded the first Cholesterol Awareness Week with Heart Support Australia and Heartbeat of Sport falling on 14 to 17 November 2024.
Heart4heart initiates to Cholesterol Awarness Week, November 2024. Courtesy of hearts4heart.
If left untreated, ASCVD can lead to heart attacks and strokes, leading to 85% of all cardiovascular-related deaths worldwide.
