Warnings about Australians' heart health

Heart attacks and strokes are the biggest killers in Australia but a new study shows many at a high risk, are not taking enough medication.

Cholesterol testing and pillsPills on the results of blood testing, including testing for cholesterol. Source: Getty Images

Every day 20 Australians die from a heart attack.

Cardiovascular disease can be linked to genetics but it is also related to diet and exercise.

At 150 kilograms, Leo Tanoi had high cholesterol, which put him at risk of a heart attack.

So, the former N-R-L player took action, dropping 30 kilograms and taking medication consistently.

But a new report by the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute shows many people with high cholesterol don't do enough to minimise the risks.

The study examined more than 100,000 [[107,000]] Australians, who've had a heart attack or stroke before and found almost half were failing to reduce their cholesterol to safe levels.

This is despite the majority [[79%]] being prescribed medication but the Institute's Professor Tom Marwick says it's unclear whether patients are missing out medication or just not taking it.

The authors of the study suggest follow-up appointments could save lives.