The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable.
There is no single cause for heart disease, but there are 'risk factors' that increase your chance of developing it.
Non-modifiable risk factors
- increasing age
- having family history of heart disease
Modifiable risk factors
One of the most important things you can do is talk to your doctor about your risk of heart disease. Heart disease is not always obvious and often there are no symptoms. That is why it is so important when you next visit your doctor to have your risk factors measured - whether or not you think anything is wrong with you.
Risk factors heart information in 10 languages
A new information sheet on risk factors is now available in 10 languages. Healthy heart habits is a two page flyer explaining many risk factors that you can change, such as smoking, blood pressure and cholesterol. This resource is available in the languages below:
You can also contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to telephone the Heart Foundation's Health Information Service.
Access free, personalised information on heart health, nutrition and healthy lifestyle by contacting our Health Information Service or call 1300 36 27 87 during business hours and one of our qualified health professionals will be able to answer your query.