Australians aware of heart disease but won’t change their habits

One in two Australians are aware heart disease is the nation’s leading cause of death – yet new research shows they are not changing their behaviours for a healthier lifestyle.

A national survey said that approximately six in 10 Australians knew a friend, colleague or family member who had suffered a heart attack, but less than half (44%) were motivated to make any change to improve their own health as a result.

Nearly one third of Australians at an increased risk of heart attack (those aged 50+) failed to take any action to reduce their own risk – despite knowing someone who had suffered a heart attack.

The survey was designed by Professor Garry Jennings, a leading cardiologist, researcher and Director of the Baker Heart Research Institute.

Professor Jennings said it was reassuring to learn that so many Australians recognised heart disease as the number one cause of death.

But he said the survey was proof that there remained a great need to educate people about their own risk factors and how they could take steps to avoid having a heart attack.

The survey found that even when confronted with a high-profile and premature heart attack death, the majority of Australians were shocked, but still failed to make any changes for a healthier lifestyle.