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Heart health

Heart health is crucial for overall wellbeing. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Australia. CVD encompasses a range of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias and stroke. Many risk factors contribute to heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and lifestyle choices.

Cardiovascular disease risk reduction

Taking steps to reduce your cardiovascular disease risk is vital for maintaining a healthy heart, and your pharmacist can help.

Cardiovascular disease risk reduction is a crucial aspect of healthcare, and community pharmacists are increasingly playing a significant role in this area. Reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease involves a multifaceted approach, focusing on lifestyle changes and medication management. Here is how you can work towards a healthier heart:

Healthy diet: Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Reduce your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, salt and sugar.
Regular exercise: Do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Activities like walking, cycling and swimming are great for heart health.
Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke, seek support to quit from your community pharmacist.
Limit alcohol: Keep alcohol consumption within recommended guidelines.
Manage stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Regular check-ups: Regular visits to your healthcare provider can help monitor your heart health and manage risk factors effectively.

In Queensland, community pharmacists are playing an expanded role in supporting heart health through a program to reduce CVD risk. This program includes comprehensive patient assessments, personalised advice and medication management to help patients achieve better heart health outcomes.

Pharmacists work collaboratively with GPs to provide comprehensive care for patients with CVD risk. If you have concerns about your CVD risk, it's vital to talk to your pharmacist.

Blood pressure monitoring

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is essential for overall health and wellbeing.

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is important because high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a risk factor for serious conditions like heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. Hypertension often has no symptoms, but it puts extra strain on your arteries and heart, and may lead to potential health problems over time.

Key facts

Health risks: High blood pressure can cause arteries to thicken, become less flexible or clog with fatty plaques, increasing the risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and stroke.
Importance of monitoring: Regular blood pressure checks can catch changes early, allowing for timely intervention.
In-pharmacy monitoring: Community pharmacies offer blood pressure monitoring services that support patients in self-monitoring their blood pressure. These services often include referrals to medical professionals when necessary.

The good news is that there are many ways to lower your blood pressure and reduce strain on your arteries and heart, many of which involve lifestyle changes that your pharmacist can help you with.

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Everyday health

Your local community pharmacy is your go-to destination for everyday health needs. From coughs and colds to travel health and mobility care, your community pharmacists can do more for you with expert advice and effective treatments to help you stay healthy and active. Explore our range of services to keep your family well every day.

Vaccination

Your community pharmacist can do more for you with a wide range of vaccines available, from flu and COVID-19 to essential travel immunizations. Visit your local pharmacy to stay healthy, protected, and up-to-date with your vaccinations.

Skin

Your community pharmacist is here to help you care for your skin, from managing common conditions like school sores, eczema, and acne to offering guidance on wound care, shingles, and sun protection. Visit your local community pharmacy for expert advice and effective solutions to keep your skin healthy every day.

Women's health

Community pharmacists are enhancing women’s health by providing comprehensive support at every stage – from conception and contraception to bone health and beyond.

Harm reduction & dependency

Your community pharmacist is here to help with harm reduction and dependency, offering support and resources including needle and syringe services, opioid dependency treatment, quit smoking services, and naloxone.

My medicines

Get expert support with your medications through comprehensive reviews and management services provided by your community pharmacist. From home medicine reviews and MedsCheck consultations to dose administration aids and staged supply, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Chronic conditions

Get the support you need from your community pharmacist to manage chronic conditions. With expert advice, personalised medication management and tailored health services, community pharmacies empower you to take control of ongoing health challenges and improve your quality of life.

Testing & screening

Take control of your health with convenient testing and screening services at your community pharmacy. From regular monitoring to early detection, these essential services help identify potential health risks and support proactive care. Your pharmacist is here to guide you in staying informed and making health-conscious decisions for a healthier future.

Heart health

Cardiovascular disease risk reduction