Matters of the HEART

DON'T MISS A BEAT WHEN IT COMES TO HEART DISEASE AWARENESS

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As the leading cause of death among men, it’s a common misconception that heart disease is predominantly a “men’s issue”.

Cardiologist and Coastrek Ambassador Dr Nikki Bart explains more than half a million women between the ages of 45-74 years have a high risk of heart attack, stroke or death from cardiovascular disease over the next five years.

“Coronary artery disease, which can cause a heart attack, is the second-leading cause of death of women in Australia,” she explains.

“To put this risk into context, women are more likely to die from a heart attack than breast cancer, but we have done a good job at increasing breast cancer awareness and screening. The same now needs to be done with women’s heart health.”

Here’s what you need to know about keeping your heart healthy:

HOW DOES A HEART ATTACK PRESENT?

The most well-known sign of a heart attack is a pain in the chest, but as Dr Bart explains, heart disease in women can present with more subtle symptoms, and if not recognised can result in a delay to diagnosis.