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Category: News

Cholesterol Awareness Week 2024

Posted on by OfficeAdmin
 

Monday 11 November 2024: This week, leading heart charities unite to help raise awareness of high cholesterol – a condition that affects approximately 2.1 million Australians, with the launch of Australia’s first ever Cholesterol Awareness Week (11-17 November).

Known as the ‘silent disease’ as it often presents with no symptoms, high cholesterol is a critical risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), an umbrella term for diseases caused by fatty deposits silently building up in the arteries. If left untreated, ASCVD can lead to heart attacks and strokes, accounting for 85% of all cardiovascular-related deaths worldwide.6

In recent years, ASCVD was the underlying cause of nearly a quarter (45,000) of all deaths in Australia, significantly contributing to the $14.3 billion in healthcare costs attributed to cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Spearheaded by  Heart Support Australia, Hearts4heart and Heartbeat of Sport, Cholesterol Awareness Week aims to empower all Australians with the knowledge and resources they need to take proactive steps towards managing high cholesterol at both individual and policy levels.

As a crucial first step, the campaign encourages all Australians to speak to their doctor to understand their personal risks of high cholesterol.

“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.”

As part of Cholesterol Awareness Week 2024, free heart screenings will be available to all adults attending the VAILO Adelaide 500, from 14 to 17 November.

“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.”

Dr Christian Verdicchio, CEO of Heart Support Australia emphasised the importance of the simple steps all Australians can take to prevent heart conditions. “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,” said Dr Verdicchio. “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.”

Effective management of high cholesterol and ASCVD often requires changes to lifestyle behaviours, including diet and physical activity, and may involve adherence to medication. As such, regular consultations and open communication between patients and healthcare practitioners are essential for effective management of the condition.
To listen to our CEO being interviewed by SBS during the week click here. www.sbs.com.au/language/samoan/sm/podcast-episode/the-silent-disease-check-your-cholesterol-level/7ypki6z6j
To watch our CEO on Channel 9 News see below. 

Heart Support Australia applauds Minister for Health for PBS listing of Camzyos for Cardiomyopathy

Posted on by OfficeAdmin
The costs of the two lifesaving heart medicines have been slashed after they were added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Previously treatment for the two kinds of heart disorder cardiomyopathy, which together affect around 4800 Australians, could cost patients up to $122,000.
Now patients will only have to pay $31.60 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card.
Today it was announced that the cost of Camzyos, a treatment for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – a kind of heart disease, will be subsidised.
Around 3600 Australians suffer from the disease, Health Minister Mark Butler said.
But the Camzyos manufacturers believe many cases of the disorder could be undiagnosed and under-untreated.
More than 60,000 Australians, or one in 400 people, could be living with the heart disorder, the Camzyos manufacturers Bristol Myers Squibb said.
The disease causes the heart muscle to become thicker and less flexible, making it harder for the heart to fill and pump blood.
Without the newly added government subsidy, Camzyos could cost patients around $30,000 per year of treatment.
Now that they have been listed on the PBS, eligible patients will be able to pay only the cost of the script, instead of the massive upfront cost for the treatment.
Heart Support Australia chief executive Dr Christian Verdicchio welcomed the new government subsidy.
“To date, there have been limited medical treatment options for this disease,” he said.
“Knowing Australians now have access to a new treatment option is important news for this patient group”.
Tafamadis (also known as Vyndamax), another of the newly listed drugs, is used to treat transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy – a rare heart disease that can present as shortness of breath and fatigue.
Around 1200 Australians are affected by the disease, which can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
The newly listed treatment works by slowing the progression of the disease, and preventing a build-up of thickened heart muscles.
The lifesaving drug had its cost cut from $122,000 for a year of treatment on May 1.
“It’s vitally important that Australians have ready and affordable access to the latest treatments,” Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said.
“By listing Vyndamax and Camzyos on the PBS we’re giving patients and their doctors new options for treatment at an affordable price.
 “It’s part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to keep medicines cheaper for Australians.”
 
For the full article by 9News click here below.

 
 

HSA Opens Peer Support Group in Alice Springs

Posted on by OfficeAdmin

Heart Support Australia (HSA) is opening their inaugural Northern Territory Peer Support Group in Alice Springs on Tuesday 20 February, giving post-heart event support for cardiac patients in
the area.

The HSA Peer Support Groups are unique communal support programs that offer comfort and
guidance to those who have recently undergone a heart event and for those who have
experienced heart conditions and rehabilitation.

HSA CEO Dr Christian Verdicchio says, “Unfortunately, far too often when people are
diagnosed with or undergo treatment for a heart condition, they don’t have ongoing support and
that can be incredibly isolating.”

“Our support groups are designed to ensure our patients are staying on the path to a healthier
life by making it known to them that they are not alone because they are interacting with their leader and group members who have gone through similar circumstances,” he says.

Leading the Alice Springs Peer Support Group is Centralian Senior College teacher Matt Skoss who was attacked by over 30 bees while helping a local beekeeper over the Easter break in 2023.

“They found the gaps in my old gardening gloves, resulting in a heart attack,” Matt says.

“I was rushed to the ED at Alice Springs Hospital, which did a sterling job to stabilise me. Next morning I was transferred to Adelaide with the RFDS where an angiogram confirmed the need for a double bypass,” he says.

Matt missed three school terms in a recovery that took a long time for his energy levels to return to normal. Now he is “giving back” to the community of family, friends and colleagues that were
a “big factor” helping him resume his pre-heart event lifestyle.

“Cardiac events are often unexpected and provide a real ‘jolt’ to your life. Being able to facilitate the sharing of experiences and provide support to other people recovering from cardiac events
is a way of helping people and that’s why I’m proud to be the leader of the group in Alice
Spring,” Matt concludes.

The peer support program initiative derives from a new era of managing heart disease that empowers heart patients with education, improved self-esteem, and larger support networks that result in less of a strain on our health system with fewer hospital stays and trips to the GP.

The Alice Springs Peer Support Group takes place on the third Tuesday of each month at the
50 Plus Community Centre, Anzac Oval, 11 Wills Terrace from 4 – 5pm.

Heart Support Australia encourages people to get involved with the community support session
by RSVPing here or by getting in touch with group leader Matt Skoss by emailing
matt.skoss@gmail.com or by calling 0418 624 631.

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