Free heart screening in Warragul

Gippsland is the centre of a new cardiovascular study helping professionals to understand heart health in the region and support better outcomes.

More than 390 people have already participated in the study through accessing a free 15-minute heart health screening in May and June.

The screenings are part of the Gippsland Healthy Heart Study, a collaborative project delivered by API, SiSu Health, Latrobe Health Services, Priceline Pharmacy and other partners.

Screenings only take 15 minutes and look at key indicators, including blood pressure, heart rate, body composition, diabetes risk and non-fasting cholesterol levels. So far, early results have seen 50 people referred to their general practitioner and one person sent to the hospital in an ambulance.

Screenings for anyone 18 years and older will next be held at the Latrobe Health Services Member Experience Hub 39 Smith Street Warragul next week, from Tuesday, 14 June to Thursday, 16 June.

Latrobe Health Services CEO, Ian Whitehead said Latrobe Health was happy to be part of the study.

"Gippsland has some of the worst heart health outcomes in Australia, so we've been encouraging our members and community to participate in the health screenings," he said.

According to Gippsland Primary Health Network's December 2021 Health Needs Assessment coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in Gippsland.

For more information about the Gippsland Healthy Heart Study please visit latrobehealth. com.au/gippslandhealthyhearts.