THURSDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2024: HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, has partnered with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute to deliver free life-saving heart health checks to eligible HCF members in regional communities across Australia, through the HCF Healthy Hearts Roadshow.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for one in four deaths nationwide.1 However, the risk is significantly higher for regional and rural Australians, who are 1.3 times more likely to be hospitalised for heart disease than those in urban centres2 and 90 percent more likely to die from heart conditions related to high blood pressure.3
The HCF Healthy Hearts Roadshow will travel to more than 70 locations including 40 regional stops across Australia, from Aldinga to Wollongong, providing free heart health checks designed to detect risk factors before they lead to serious health issues. These checks will be conducted by specialists from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and aim to empower individuals to take control of their heart health.
“Cardiovascular disease remains Australian’s number one killer, and regional Australians are disproportionately affected,” said Professor Jason Kovacic, a cardiologist and the Director and CEO of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. “The HCF Healthy Heart Roadshow allows us to deliver vital heart health checks that can help identify risks early and save lives.”
The Roadshow addresses the growing burden of heart disease in regional areas, where contributing factors like economic hardship, mental health challenges,4 and environmental stressors such as bushfires and extreme heat5 increase cardiovascular risk.
Free Heart Health Checks for HCF members
HCF’s Chief Officer of Member Health, Julie Andrews, said the initiative directly addresses the healthcare barriers faced by many regional Australians, including limited access to preventive health services.
“We know that our members in regional areas face unique challenges when it comes to healthcare,” Ms Andrews said. “This roadshow is about making heart health checks more accessible, so members can understand their risk and take action to protect their future health.”
Heart disease claims the life of one Australian every 12 minutes,6 and 99 percent of adults have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.7 Yet, many Australians miss out on regular heart health checks, with 64 percent of those aged 45 to 74 failing to get screened.8
Through the HCF Healthy Hearts Roadshow, HCF is offering free screenings at select branches and retail centres with heart health check specialists from Victor Chang conducting the checks.
“We’re removing barriers to testing by bringing these checks to familiar and convenient locations,” said Professor Kovacic. “Knowing your numbers – your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar – can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.”
What the Heart Health Checks involve
The heart health checks are quick, taking less than 10 minutes, and measure key risk factors for heart disease, including blood sugar, total cholesterol, and blood pressure. Participants receive a personal heart health snapshot and follow-up recommendations. Individuals identified with risk factors are referred into other free HCF Health & Wellbeing programs to assist with weight loss, cardiovascular disease and diabetes management, and mental health support. When necessary, participants are encouraged to follow up with their GP regarding their results.
“We want our members to feel empowered to improve their heart health through prevention, early detection and effective treatment,” said Ms Andrews. “Small changes can often lead to big improvements in overall heart health.”
How to book
The HCF Healthy Hearts Roadshow will offer screenings by appointment at select HCF branches and regional shopping centres in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. Members are encouraged to book early, as spaces are limited. For the latest information on locations and dates, or to book a check, visit hcf.com.au/victorchang.
ENDS
REFERENCES
- Australian Bureau of Statistics 2020. Causes of Death 2019, ct. no. 3303.0. October.
- National Rural Health Alliance. Cardiovascular Disease Fact Sheet – May 2015. Available at: www.ruralhealth.org.au
- Yih-Kai Chan, Lei Chen, Ashley K Keates, Sarah Booley, Alice David, Gary Layton, Caitlyn Mainland, Margarita Ramirez, Frances Taylor, Simon Steward on behalf of the NHMRC CRE to Reduce Inequality in Heart Disease Investigators. The Heart of Inequality. Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, ACU, October 2017.
- National Rural Health Alliance. The disproportionate burden of heart disease in rural and remote Australia. Available at: www.ruralhealth.org.au
- Liu, Jingwen, et al. Heat exposure and cardiovascular health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Planetary Health, Volume 6, Issue 6, e484 - e495.
- Heart Research Institute. Heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease in Australia: Statistics and facts. Available at: www.hri.org.au
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts. AIHW, Australian Government, 2024. Accessed 06 September 2024.
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2023) Most eligible patients ‘have not had recent heart checks’, RACGP, accessed 06 September 2024.
Media enquiries to:
Joni Thomes 0475 576 738 or jthomes@hcf.com.au
Key Facts:
Heart disease claims the life of one Australian every 12 minutes.
99% of adults have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
64% of Australians aged 45 to 74 fail to get screened.
Regional and rural Australians are 1.3 times more likely to be hosptialised for heart disease than those in urban centres.
The HCF Healthy Hearts Roadshow will travel to more than 70 locations including 40 regional stops across Australia, from Aldinga to Wollongong.
About us:
ABOUT HCF HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers almost 2 million members with health and life insurance, travel, pet, home and car insurance. HCF has been awarded Outstanding Value Health Insurance by Canstar eight years in a row from 2016-2023. On average over the last ten years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us
Contact details:
Joni Thomes 0421967709 or jthomes@hcf.com.au
