Heart Health

High blood pressure can be an important early indicator of some heart health risks. According to the Stroke Foundation, high blood pressure affects around one in three Australian adults, and only about half are aware they have it, making it a key modifiable risk factor for both stroke and heart disease.

“High blood pressure has no immediate symptoms but is like a ticking time bomb for your health - it puts extra stress on blood vessel walls making it easier for a blood clot to form or a blood vessel to burst causing a stroke. A simple check at your doctor or pharmacy can help you understand your stroke risk – and take steps to manage it,” Dr Murphy, Stroke Foundation.

At Pharmacy 777, we aim to increase positive health outcomes for the community. We encourage everyone to visit their local Pharmacy 777 Pharmacist for a blood pressure check.

Our Pharmacists can also support you to measure your Blood Pressure in the comfort of your home with your own machine*.

Tips for measuring your own blood pressure:

• Ask your Pharmacist or GP to check your technique or assist with your reading.
• Take readings before medication, food and vigorous exercise.
• Don’t take readings if you’re feeling stressed, uncomfortable or in pain.
• Sit quietly and comfortably for 5 minutes prior to doing your reading.
• Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your back and arm supported.
• Don’t talk or move whilst the reading is being recorded.
• Don’t smoke or drink caffeine 30 minutes before a reading.

Talk to your 777 Pharmacist for further support.

*Approved machines are available for purchase at all Pharmacy 777 pharmacies and may be subject to Private Health Insurance rebate.

If you have recently been diagnosed with a heart condition or you are looking for ongoing heart health support, we encourage you to talk to our Pharmacists about our personalised medication support services or talk to your GP.

Additional resources are also available through the Heart Foundation website.

Reduce your risk of having a heart attack by learning the warning signs.

Heart attacks are more common than you may realise. The warning signs vary from person to person and can be different if you've experienced one before.

Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack and acting quickly by calling Triple Zero (000)* can reduce damage to your heart and increase your chance of survival.

It could save your life, or the life of someone you love.

If you experience the warning signs of a heart attack for 10 minutes, or if they are severe or get progressively worse, call Triple Zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.

If calling Triple Zero doesn’t work on your phone, try 112.

Click here to download or order a Heart Attack Warning Signs Action Plan - Opens in new tab - available in multiple languages

Remember, it's OK to call 000.

A stroke can happen to anyone at any time. Learn the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke and act fast:

• Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms Can they lift both arms?
• Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

While you wait for an ambulance, there are some things you can do to help - follow the instructions given to you while you're on the phone.
Click here to see further information from the Stroke Foundation. - Opens in new tab

If calling Triple Zero doesn’t work on your phone, try 112.

*Australian Bureau of Statistics 2019, Causes of Death 2018, cat. no. 3303.0, September

**Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2017, Australian Health Expenditure – demographics and diseases: hospital admitted patient expenditure 2004-05 to 2012-13, Supplementary tables, Health Expenditure and Welfare series no. 59, cat. No. HWE 69.