With heart disease listed as the leading cause of death in Australia, World Heart Day is an opportunity to stop and consider what you can do to improve your heart health.
Cardiologist Dr Robert Lew says cardiovascular disease can affect everyone and suggests that improving your health can look after your heart.
“Poor choices contribute significantly to heart disease,” explains Dr Lew.
“Those who make good lifestyle choices, regularly diet and exercise, monitor their weight and have regular reviews with their doctor, are looking after their heart and wellbeing.”
“It is never too late to make some changes, even small changes over time can have an important effect.”
While there has been significant progress in recent years, Dr Lew advises the public to know the early warning signs of heart disease, especially as they can be different for men and women.
While warning signs, such as chest pains, shortness of breath and nausea apply to both men and women, women are much more likely to experience less common symptoms such as sudden dizziness, cold sweats, palpitations; sleep disturbances and unexplained fatigue.
If you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms, seek medical advice as treatment is most effective with early prevention.