At Latrobe Health, we care about much more than just health insurance. As part of our commitment to our community and members, we have partnered with Sisu Health, Priceline Pharmacy, Abbott, and Novartis to bring free 15-minute heart health checks to Farm World at Lardner Park in March 2023.

Over the course of the three days, we were able to check the heart health of 132 Farm World attendees.

Each of the 132 participants were taken through the 15-minute heart health check with a qualified pharmacist at their side, talking them through the tests and their results.

The results were then given to each participant so they could learn about their current heart health, get advice on how to keep their heart healthy, and then follow up with the GP if further action is required.

What is a heart health check?

Our free heart health checks are a 15-minute process where a qualified pharmacist checks key heart health indicators including:

  • Blood pressure
  • Heart Rate
  • Body composition
  • Diabetes risk
  • Non-fasting cholesterol levels

Each participant then receives their results immediately so they can then follow up with their GP if required.

Why heart health checks?

Last Year Latrobe Health was involved in the, which aimed to better understand the cardiovascular health of the Gippsland community and play a role in supporting better heart health outcomes.

Due to the overwhelming response to this study in 2022, it showed that there is a great need for access to heart health checks in regional Victoria.

Key results from the study were:

  • High rates of cholesterol present in males (16-44) and females (18-24)
  • Smoking rates at 10.4% which is above average, particularly in females
  • High Blood pressure in ~60% of Females over 55 and ~66% of Males over 35
  • 66% of Males 18-24 presented with very high Body Max index (BMI)
  • ~65% of participants presented with very high triglycerides (note: this was a non-fasting test and is expected and now considered acceptable)

During the study itself of the 500 patients, one patient was sent to the hospital via ambulance, and 59 were referred to their GP for high cholesterol.

This shows the importance of staying on top of your healthcare, with regular check-ups from your trusted health professional.

Read more about the Gippsland Healthy Hearts Study here.

Recently had your heart health checked?

Let’s check your health cover next by completing an online quote here or by calling our award-winning customer service centre on 1300 362 144 to review your cover.

Where is the next free heart health check event?

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Should you have any concerns about your heart health or any other health concerns, please seek the advice of your trusted healthcare professional.

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