The New Zealand Primary Care Handbook 2012 recommends that you should get a heart and diabetes check if you are in one of these groups:
- Māori, Pacific and South Asian males 35 and over.
- All other ethnic groups of males 45 and over.
- Māori, Pacific and South Asian and females 45 and over.
- All other ethnic groups of females 55 and over.
Heart disease is a serious problem in New Zealand – One New Zealander dies every 90 minutes from heart disease. Cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and blood vessel disease) is the leading cause of death in New Zealand, accounting for 40% of deaths annually.
Diabetes is a major and increasing cause of premature death and disability in New Zealand. More than 225,000 people have been diagnosed with diabetes (mostly type 2) and those with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of heart disease.
A heart and diabetes check can make a difference. Heart disease and type 2 diabetes are largely preventable through treatment and lifestyle changes.
Get a heart and diabetes check. Ask your doctor or nurse now.
