FORGET PRIDE --- EVERY MINUTE COUNTS TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK!

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today urged Queenslanders not to let pride fool them into ignoring signs they may be suffering a heart attack.

“Approximately 25,000 Australians die from coronary heart disease each year; including more than 4,500 Queenslanders,” he said.

“More than half of all heart attack deaths occur before the patient reaches hospital and a quarter die within an hour of their first symptoms.

“If people suffer symptoms like chest pain, upper body discomfort or have difficulty breathing they should immediately telephone Triple 0 for an ambulance.

“Every minute counts so don’t ignore the warning signs.

“No one is going to think you’re silly if you go to hospital only to find out you didn’t suffer a heart attack after all.

“Surviving a heart attack is much more important than preserving your pride.”

National Heart Week (April 29-May 5) is a perfect opportunity for Queenslanders to learn more about lifestyle choices to minimise their risk of developing heart disease.

Mr Robertson visited The Prince Charles Hospital today to meet Queensland Heart Kids who have benefited from life-saving surgery for congenital heart conditions.

“Heart-related conditions and chronic heart disease are not confined to adults.

“Many young children who suffer congenital heart conditions have a future thanks to the skill and dedication of our paediatric cardiac surgeons and nurses.

“The Prince Charles Hospital has the largest cardiac service in Australia and is one of the most advanced teaching hospitals for adult and paediatric heart-related conditions.

“Each year, the hospital performs approximately 600 cardiac surgery/procedures on children plus 5,450 cardiac surgery/procedures and 13,000 echocardiograms on adults.”

Mr Robertson said heart disease remains one of the leading causes of avoidable hospitalisation in Queensland.

“Approximately 33,000 Queenslanders are hospitalised each year for heart-related disease.

“Many of these hospitalisations are avoidable if people make simple lifestyle choices to minimise their risk of developing heart disease.

“Risk factors that contribute to heart disease include medical conditions such as high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, physical inactivity and obesity.

“By changing your lifestyle and behaviours you can help reduce your risk of experiencing a cardiac event.”

Mr Robertson said to ensure good health, people should aim to:

• Avoid smoking

• Eat healthy foods to help lower blood cholesterol

• Be physically active

• Control their blood pressure

• Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

More information about Heart Kids Queensland can be found at the website http://www.health.qld.gov.au/qldheartkids

MEDIA: Paul Lynch 0417 728 676