Almost 9000 Australians die from heart attacks each year, and many of those who suffer from one are unaware of what the symptoms are and the importance of seeking treatment early.
Research from the Heart Foundation of Australia shows migrants from southern Europe, the Middle East and India are less likely to seek help early for heart problems, which affects their ability to recover.
In response, the group will launch a five-month campaign targeting older migrants.
The foundation's Julie-Anne Mitchell said there were a number of reasons why some migrants were less likely to seek help early.
"We know that migrant communities or older members of migrant communities are less to engage with the health sector or to call triple zero if there's an emergency, they're more likely to rely on their children to do that negotiation,” she said.
“The heart foundation has been focussed on improving communication around the warning signs of heart attack, the risk factors of heart disease."
Symptoms of a heart attack include pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, shoulders, chest, back and arms along with nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Sharp, stabbing chest pain is generally less associated with a heart attack.
Ms Mitchell said exercise was key to preventing an attack.
"The aim is for each and everyone of us to be physically active for at least 30 min a day,” she said.
“For older populations that can be broken down into 10 min bursts.
“Anything that encourages you to get up move around perhaps join friends and do something active together."
Bocce to the rescue
This can be anything from gardening, to walking around the block, to a few rounds of bocce.
Fatone Celeste was born in Italy and migrated to Australia as a young man decades ago.
He said it took him a long time to recover from a heart attack a few years ago.
"Four years ago nearly five years ago, it is a heart attack,” he said.
“It was a blockage of the big vein. I stayed for a few months really bad. But I am all right now.
“Especially with friends like this one or two times a week it's ok. For that I came back here for a bit of exercise and I am all right now."
Mr Celeste was out of action for months and the ancient Italian game of bocce which is similar to lawn bowls provided him with some gentle exercise to aid his recovery.
"I can't do too much exercise, But this for me is very relaxing for brain and body."
Italian community service, Co.As.It, runs a regular bocce group as part of a range of support programs for older Italian-Australians.
Member Vincenzo Cositore said the advantages were clear.
"The benefits are huge,” he said.
“Apart from their Italian connections, they speak in their dialect, I think it's also good for their health. It promotes healthy aging.
“And this group has been meeting for over 10 years I would say."
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