Health Minister Tanya Plibersek, the Federal Member for Sydney, is among the 8,500 Australian women starting the Heart Foundation’s Healthy Heart Challenge today.

The Healthy Heart Challenge is a free, six-week program to help women improve their heart health and is part of the Heart Foundation’s Go Red for Women campaign.

“Heart disease is the number one killer of Australian women and kills four times as many women as breast cancer,” said Minister Plibersek.

“Ninety percent of Australian women have at least one risk factor for heart disease, but with the Healthy Heart Challenge you can cut your risk through simple changes.

“It’s not too late to join me and the thousands of other women who have already signed up for the Challenge – you can still register free at goredforwomen.org.au.

“Pick a goal that suits you - I'll aim to be active every day with a quick visit to the gym or a walk to work,” Minister Plibersek said.

Go Red for Women is the Heart Foundation’s campaign to raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of Australian women. June is Go Red for Women month.

“I want to congratulate the Minister and the thousands of other women who are starting the Healthy Heart Challenge today and taking the first steps towards better heart health,” said Tony Thirlwell, Heart Foundation CEO – NSW.

“There is no single cause of heart disease, but risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a family history increase your chance of developing it.

“High blood pressure and cholesterol are often called the silent killers as there are no obvious symptoms - having a heart attack can be the first sign.

“The only way to find out if you’re at risk is to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked by a health professional.

“We’re urging all women, especially those over 45, to ask their GP for a heart health check during Go Red for Women month,” Mr Thirlwell said.

Each year Go Red for Women relies heavily on the generosity of corporate sponsors to help raise women’s awareness of heart disease. This year our national sponsor family is made up of National Presenting Sponsor AMP Capital Shopping Centres; National Supporting Sponsors – UNCLE TOBYS, Curves and Flora pro-activ; National Providing Sponsors – V-ZUG, Tefal and QR National; and National Corporate Supporter – Napoleon Perdis.

Heart Foundation