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News & Trends - Pharmaceuticals

Australia’s first Cholesterol Awareness Week launched to tackle nation’s ‘silent disease’

Health Industry Hub | November 11, 2024 |

Pharma News: Leading heart charities have come together to launch the nation’s first Cholesterol Awareness Week (11-17 November), aiming to shine a light on high cholesterol that affects around 2.1 million Australians.

Dubbed the “silent disease” due to its lack of symptoms, high cholesterol is a key risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a condition marked by the stealthy buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. Left unmanaged, ASCVD can lead to life-threatening heart attacks and strokes, which account for 85% of cardiovascular-related deaths worldwide.

Cholesterol Awareness Week, spearheaded by Hearts4heart, Heart Support Australia, and Heartbeat of Sport, seeks to equip Australians with the information and tools to manage high cholesterol proactively – at both personal and policy levels.

“We all have it, we all need it – but concerningly, most Australians have limited understanding of what cholesterol is and the true impact it can have on our heart health,” said Tanya Hall, CEO and founder of Hearts4heart.

“High cholesterol and ASCVD can be prevented and managed. The key is in early detection, so we urge all Australians to be heart smart and speak to their doctor about a heart health check-up today.”

According to Professor Nicholls, renowned cardiologist and Director of the new Victorian Heart Hospital at Monash Health and Monash University’s Victorian Heart Institute, 2.5 million Australians take statins to lower their cholesterol. However, about 20% of patients on statins have tolerance issues and about 50% of high-risk patients do not get their cholesterol down to target levels.

ASCVD has taken a toll, underlying nearly a quarter (45,000) of all national deaths and contributing to $14.3 billion in healthcare costs related to cardiovascular diseases. The awareness week will also feature free heart screenings for adults at the VAILO Adelaide 500 from 14 to 17 November, making health checks accessible to a wider audience.

“By bringing free heart testing directly to local sports grounds, events, and communities, we help people to #KnowYourNumbers and make healthier choices,” said Andy Paschalidis, founder of Heartbeat of Sport. “We’re thrilled to make heart checks more accessible at community sporting events across Australia, helping to reduce the number of cardiac incidents nationwide.”

Heart Support Australia’s CEO, Dr Christian Verdicchio, highlighted the simplicity and significance of early prevention.

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and hospitalisations in the country, and it can be prevented by prioritising a simple appointment with your GP or cardiologist,” he said. “Many Australians who survive cardiac events wish they had started the conversation sooner. Don’t wait – speak to your healthcare professional today. It could save your life.”

In a recent initiative, Hearts4heart contributed to the Insights from Patients Living with Elevated Cholesterol (IPEC) study, a patient-led research project aimed at capturing the experiences of individuals with high cholesterol and ASCVD. This study uncovered critical gaps in patient education, with many feeling excluded from key decisions about their care.

“General practitioners, specialists, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals are on the front lines of this silent epidemic,” said Professor Gemma Figtree AM, Chair of the Cardiovascular Initiative at the University of Sydney.

“By actively engaging with patients about their cholesterol levels and risk factors, and empowering them to take initiative in their care, we can play a pivotal role in enhancing health literacy and outcomes.”

The IPEC study advocates for a grassroots approach, promoting conversations and education about high cholesterol at the community level.

“Unfortunately, high cholesterol is often underestimated by both the public and policymakers,” said Hall.

“We hope this joint initiative sparks meaningful dialogue to ensure the needs of people impacted by high cholesterol are identified and addressed by policymakers. Prioritising and funding support at a community level is key to improving outcomes for both individuals and the healthcare system.”

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