“A third of all women aged over 40 in Australia risk developing heart disease and in the three and half minutes that stops the nation, at least one Australian will end up in hospital with heart disease,” said Heart Foundation National CEO, Adjunct Professor John Kelly.
So, as you don your best frock and head to the track, try changing your odds with these four easy steps to prevent a heart attack and stroke.
Get your cholesterol checked
Aim to keep total cholesterol below 5.5 mmol/L, LDL cholesterol below 2 mmol/L, and HDL at 1.5 mmol/L or above. Your doctor will be able to tell you what a healthy range is for you.
Watch your triglycerides, too
Recent studies have found that triglycerides might directly contribute to heart disease and may be even more dangerous that LDL cholesterol. Aim for a measurement under 3.5mmol/L; a healthy diet and exercise can help you get there.
Eat Mediterranean
A Mediterranean-style diet including olive oil and nuts, each day can reduce cardiovascular risk by 30% according to a recent trial.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the few ways you can lower your LDL cholesterol. What are you going to do to get moving today?
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