Cholesterol Watch: Millions of Australians Have High Cholesterol Says Health Survey

A national health survey revealed millions of Australians may already have diabetes and heart disease but don't know about it. The Australian Bureau of Statistics have uncovered the shocking results of blood and urine samples taken from 11,000 people.

The results of the national health survey surprised participants and health practitioners since it has discovered undiagnosed health problems of Australians.

According to the survey, one in three Australians has high cholesterol, but only one in 10 is aware of it. Blood tests also revealed 3 out of 4 Australians aged over 45 have multiple risk factors for heart disease. Half of Australians aged 18-45 are exposed to at least one risk factor for heart disease.

Almost a million Australians know they have diabetes because they have been told. However, the national health survey also found that 231,000 Australians have the diabetes, but they don't know it. Those at risk to the disease have reached 700,000.

Blood test results also showed one in ten Australians are suffering from chronic kidney disease and 12 per cent of them are having liver problems. Four in 100 Australians have anaemia which is a medical condition that makes the heart pump out more blood to ensure the body's organs and muscles have enough oxygen.

The health survey also found obese Australians to be five times more likely to suffer from cholesterol problems.

According to the Heart Foundation, the results suggest that Australia health authorities will need to perform routine checks to determine the number of people at risk of stroke, chronic disease and heart attack.

Dr. Lyn Roberts, chief of the Heart Foundation, said that Australia is a long way behind other countries that routinely perform diabetes and heart checks in the last five years. Estimates reveal that only 5 per cent of Australians are getting checked by their doctors.

Diabetes Australia chief Greg Johnson said the rate of undiagnosed diabetes is even higher in other studies. He urged Australians to undergo an annual blood glucose test to check for diabetes.

Australians who don't know they have diabetes may be already developing health complications like eye and kidney problems. Dr. Steve Hambleton of the Australian Medical Association said that every adult should have their cholesterol level checked beginning age 45. Those who have a family history of diabetes should have regular checks earlier.