This week is Heart Failure Awareness Week and local heart specialist Angie Luo has provided some insights into heart health.
Ms Luo works at Logan Hospital as its heart failure service’s clinical nurse consultant.
She has worked in the industry for 16 years and is passionate about heart health.
“I love my job because it is rewarding to see patients have a happy and healthy life,” Ms Luo said.
“I am glad that I can support patients during a difficult time of their life.”
But she said heart failure was something she sees all too often.
“Heart Failure Service Logan Hospital receives approximately 45 referrals for new onset or worsening heart failure monthly,” she said.
She said people with cardiac conditions living in Logan often struggle more because of low socio-economic situations and language barriers.
“…especially those living in remote rural areas that may have limited access to health care,” Ms Luo said.
Ms Luo said coronary heart disease was the leading cause of death in Australia.
“It claims more lives than any other disease and is responsible for more than one in ten deaths,” she said.
“I think people can easily neglect their own health, fitness, food and nutrition, and mental health, because they’re busy with work, family, study, and social life.
“They don’t know they are at risk of heart disease.”
Ms Luo revealed some tips for Logan residents to maintain a healthy heart:
- Exercise
- Eat well
- Reduce alcohol consumption (no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day)
- Stop smoking.
- Adhere to medications as prescribed to prevent recurrent or worsening cardiac conditions.
“I would like to emphasise the importance of self-care in daily life, regardless of having a heart condition,” she said.
Over 500,000 Australians are living with heart failure, with many more potentially undiagnosed, according to Hearts4Heart.
