Chips and chocolate, and a lack of exercise were identified as some of the main culprits affecting people’s cholesterol levels and high blood pressure by clinical staff running public screenings at Lismore Base Hospital as part of Heart Week 2017.
The National Heart Foundation’s promotion is especially relevant for regional/rural residents who have a 27 per cent higher rate of hypertension than urban dwellers (38.6 per cent of all adults compared to 30.5 per cent).
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic is an annual community service that checks blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and discusses the results with members of the public being screened.
The focus has been on how to avoid health complications associated with high blood pressure, such as heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle factors discussed include diet, exercise and smoking. Appropriate, practical advice was offered where necessary.
Most people have been open to discussing their lifestyles, are interested in the feedback and are keen to make adjustments in the interest of their health, according to exercise physiologist Tiphane Lloyd and cardiac rehabilitation nurse Daniella Zanette.
They were pleased to be kept busy at the screening station in the LBH main foyer and hoped they could better inform people about how to adopt more healthy practices.
This year’s Heart Week campaign is highlighting the importance of getting regular blood pressure checks and keeping blood pressure at a heart-healthy level.
The Foundation estimates that close to six million Australians - one-in-three adults - have hypertension - meaning blood pressure above 140/90 or taking medication.
