A national report by the Australian Catholic University has revealed the Newcastle and Central Coast as one of Australia's top 10 areas for heart failure.
According to the report, more than one in 30 people across the region suffer from the condition.
An increase in retirees living in the Newcastle and Central Coast contributes to the high numbers in the area.
The report has followed a new heart medication, Entresto, recently added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Heart failure specialist Dr Angela Worthington said the treatment combines a standard heart failure therapy with a new therapy in the same medication. The treatments together provide a more "powerful effect" for heart failure patients.
One of Worthington's patients, Brian Walker has seen a huge difference since using the medication.
Worthington said there are a number of factors contributing to heart failure, including Australia's ageing population.
"Age is one of the strongest risk factors for developing heart failure."
Other risk factors include obesity, high alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, diabetes and a high salt diet.
Worthington encourages people to ensure they have a regular GP who can monitor risk factors for heart failure.
"If risk factors can be addressed early, we can avoid people developing the more severe forms of heart failure" says Worthington.
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| Source: http://www.fiercepharma.com/ |
