‘This is our family story about heart disease, and the many different ways we can all be affected.'

By LYNNE RAVENHALL

‘This is our family story about heart disease, and the many different ways we can all be affected.’ – Lynne Ravenhall

Growing up in Melbourne in the 1940’s I was part of a large, loving family. I didn’t realise then just how young a lot of our male relatives were when they passed away, as 50 seemed quite ancient, but I remember heart disease being spoken about often.

Generations of heart disease

After a series of heart attacks my dad died aged 54, followed by his elder brother a couple of years later. Two other uncles died within six weeks of my father. At that time I thought that angina (chest pain or discomfort caused by insufficient blood flow and oxygen to the muscle of the heart), which led to heart attacks and then death, was a condition exclusive to the male members of the family.

That was until my sister Rhonda, aged 51, had a major stroke. Rhonda was becoming well known as a writer, poet and playwright, and was struck down just as success was coming her way. Although she recovered at first, and took every precaution, another stroke when she was 53 led to her death.

A crisis on holiday

I was still not concerned about myself, in spite of having hypertension and high cholesterol. After all, I wasn’t overweight, enjoyed an active lifestyle and had never smoked.

On a holiday to Central Australia in 2001 when I was 57, I struggled to keep up and was battling to breathe during a hike and blamed it on my mild asthma. I now shudder when I think that I could have had a heart attack in the outback, miles from a hospital or help.

Bypass surgery

Turns out I had a blockage in three arteries of the heart and had to undergo a bypass operation on 1 August 2001, which was also the anniversary of my father’s death in 1968. It is a frightening experience, especially when one has seen so many family members in the same situation. The operation was a huge success and five days later I was allowed home.

My cousin Neil underwent a bypass two weeks after I did, aged 52 – more proof of our genetic predisposition to heart disease.

Our family’s health and treatment

Heart disease has affected others in my immediate family. At 40 years our daughter Sarah was diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis, which could make her prone to heart issues. She has also inherited hypertension and high cholesterol, which means she has to be vigilant in monitoring her heart health.

Both my granddaughter (at age 16) and grandson (11) were found to have SVT – super ventricular tachycardia – within days of each other. This is a most frightening condition as the heart beats extremely fast and has to be controlled. Emily had a radio frequency ablation and Charles a cryo ablation to rectify the problem. Both are now well.

Research is the key

Research, even over the 10 years since my sister died, has enabled me to live an exciting and enriched life, which is why I am an avid supporter of the life-saving research Heart Research Australia funds.

Did you know that heart disease is Australia’s biggest killer?

Heart Research Australia is passionate about reducing the incidence of heart disease, which affects two out of three families, is the Number 1 killer of women and kills one Australian every 12 minutes!

Heart Research Australia is dedicated to raising funds for first-stage innovative research into the detection, treatment and prevention of heart disease, aimed at reducing the devastating impact this disease has on families and communities.

As daunting as these facts are, heart disease can be largely prevented by simply knowing the risk factor and following a heart healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and regular exercise

#GetMoving is Heart Research Australia’s unique new digital campaign aimed at driving awareness of heart disease, and motivating everyone to love their hearts by eating healthy and incorporating simple forms of exercise into their daily life.

The campaign invites Australians to ‘Like’ the Heart Research Australia Facebook page, enter their details and stand the chance to win great prizes for simply sharing their #GetMoving posts.

Whether it’s swapping the lift for the stairs, taking the dog for a walk or enjoying a brisk walk with a friend – it’s all about simple ways to get the heart pumping. This campaign will drive participants to continue their journey with our signature campaign, RedFeb during Heart Research Month in February.

Being inactive almost doubles your risk for coronary heart disease. 30 minutes a day is enough to bring wide-ranging benefits, whether it’s swapping the lift for the stairs, taking the dog for a walk or enjoying a brisk walk with a friend – #GetMoving is all about incorporating simple ways to get your heart pumping and improving your heart health.

Studies show that doing more than 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate physical activity every week will reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by about 30%.

The good news is that even small increases in physical fitness are associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk, even if you have existing disease.

Heart Research Australia invites all Australian’s to join its fight against heart disease and get their hearts moving by supporting its fun, interactive #GetMoving campaign.

For further information about Heart Research Australia and #GetMoving visit  www.heartresearch.com.au