Frequently Asked Questions about Your Health
Q: Is heart disease really the biggest killer in Australia?
A: Yes. According to the Australian Heart Foundation, cardiovascular disease kills one Australian nearly every ten minutes, and affects the lives of more than 3.7 million Australians2.
Q: Can low dose aspirin really reduce my risk?
A: Yes. Low dose aspirin such as Cartia® can reduce your risk of having another heart attack and stroke by up to 32%3
Q: Does having high cholesterol put me at risk of having another heart attack or stroke?
A: Yes. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in fats. If your cholesterol levels are too high, it can build up in your artery walls - causing your arteries to become narrowed. This may result in a blockage which can increase your risk of having another heart attack or stroke.
Q: How much exercise do I need to do?
A: Experts recommend that you should do at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, at least 3-5 times a week. Suitable low impact exercises can include yoga, pilates, walking and mild aerobics.
Q: How can I improve my diet?
A: Look for recipes and meal plans with low calories, and which are low in fat. Search on the internet, or buy a reputable cook book with recipes that have been provided by health experts. You don't have to compromise flavour to improve your diet.
Q: What is high blood pressure and why does it put me at risk?
A: Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the artery walls as it flows. The pressure fluctuates throughout the day, but if it is regularly higher than normal, your heart has to work harder and may become enlarged and weaken. High blood pressure also damages the artery walls making them susceptible to plaque build-up, which clogs and narrows arteries.
Q: How do I know if I have high blood pressure?
A: You probably won't. There are usually no symptoms of high blood pressure, so you should have it regularly checked by your doctor.
Q: How does stress contribute to heart disease?
A: Too much stress can harm your heart. Your natural response to stress causes changes to your body's reactions. Your blood pressure goes up, your heart beats faster and your body releases ‘fight or flight' chemicals for quick energy. Brief bouts of stress are not harmful, but a stress build-up day after day can be unhealthy, increasing your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and a number of other health problems like depression and sleeping disorders.
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If you have had a heart attack or stroke, speak to your doctor about how Cartia can help as part of an overall program to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.