The Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce is encouraging locals to be more pro active when it comes to ‘matters of the heart’. 

The MP said heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Australia, and regional communities are disproportionately affected. 

Mr Joyce made the comment while undergoing a ten minute heart health check in Tamworth, thanks to the partnership between the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and HCF. 

He said, “Tamworth has one of the highest rates of cardiovascular disease deaths in the country and I especially appeal to farmers and others in remote areas who tend to push health issues aside, to be more proactive.

“Regional Australians are 1.3 times more likely to be hospitalised for heart disease and 90% more likely to die from conditions linked to high blood pressure than those in urban areas.

“A short, heart health check, can provide real-time insights into blood pressure, total cholesterol and average blood sugar levels,” Mr Joyce said. 

“I appreciate HCF’s ongoing commitment to the region and it leadership in supporting heart health checks, alongside the impressive work of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. 

“During the team’s previous visit to Tamworth, almost 30% of those tested had high cholesterol, 50% didn’t know their blood pressure and 25% of heart attack victims had no prior symptoms. 

“These checks are literally lifesaving and highlight the importance of monitoring heart health,” Mr Joyce said.