Maitland residents are encouraged to visit their doctor for a Medicare-funded Heart Health Check during Heart Week, which kicked off Sunday.
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The death rate in the Hunter Valley (excluding Newcastle) from heart disease is about 71 in every 100,000 people - higher than the state average (about 67 in every 100,000).
About 20 per cent of the region's residents smoke, 21 per cent have high blood pressure, 71.5 per cent don't exercise enough, 37 per cent are obese and 32 per cent have high cholesterol.
To understand the risks, residents can have a Heart Health Check, which became available on April 1.
"Australians aged 45 years and over, and Indigenous Australians from 30 years, can now see their GP for a Medicare-funded Heart Health Check to understand their risk of heart attack and stroke," the Heart Foundation's Deborah Moore said.
"Heart disease is not always obvious - having a heart attack could be your first sign. Don't wait for chest pain, it could be too late. Get the vital tests you need by visiting your doctor."
