By Domenic Chindamo - Pharmacist, Lygon Everyday Chemist, Brunswick East

“The heart is not like a box that gets filled up; it expands in size the more you love.” - Tom Robbins.

Here in Brunswick East, we’re lucky to live in a walkable, connected community that naturally supports good heart health. But heart health is more than steps, salads, or a single test - it’s about how your body, brain, lifestyle, and medicines work together over time.

HEART HEALTH IS MORE THAN THE HEART
Mental health, stress, sleep, movement, and nutrition all influence blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation, and overall cardiovascular risk. Chronic stress and poor sleep can raise blood pressure just as much as poor diet.

MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE CORRECTLY
International guidelines show that home blood pressure monitoring, when done correctly and consistently, is often more accurate
than clinic readings due to reduced white-coat effect.

Best practice:

• Measure morning and evening 
• Sit quietly for 5 minutes 
• Feet flat, arm supported at heart level
• Avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise beforehand

WHEN TO TAKE BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINES
Some medicines are better taken in the morning, others at night. What matters most is consistency and individualisation.

CHOLESTEROL TESTS VS CALCIUM SCORES
Cholesterol blood tests estimate future cardiovascular risk. Calcium scores measure existing calcified plaque in coronary arteries.

“It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.” - Mahatma Gandhi.

STATINS, INJECTIONS, AND INDIVIDUAL CARE
Statins remain first-line therapy for most people at cardiovascular risk. Injectable cholesterol medicines are used when statins are not tolerated or targets are not achieved.

SUPPLEMENTS

• CoQ10 may help statin-associated muscle symptoms 
• Omega-3 supports heart health; higher doses are needed for triglycerides
• Magnesium may help if deficient

NUTRITION
Highly processed breakfast cereals marketed as heart healthy often spike blood sugar. Mediterranean-style eating supports heart health.

MOVEMENT AND SLEEP
Regular movement and quality sleep lower cardiovascular risk.

STROKE AWARENESS - FAST
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty: Time to call 000 immediately.

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” - Jim Rohn.

MEDSCHECK
If you take five or more medicines, we recommend an annual MedsCheck to review safety, effectiveness, and concerns.

References

Australian Government Department of Health. Hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

European Society of Hypertension. Guidelines for home blood pressure monitoring.

Heart Foundation Australia. Blood pressure and cholesterol management.

Heart Foundation Australia. Mediterranean diet and heart health.

Mayo Clinic. Coronary calcium scan.

Mayo Clinic. Heart disease prevention.

Therapeutic Guidelines Australia. Lipid and cardiovascular management.

Walker, M. Why We Sleep. Sleep and cardiovascular health.

World Health Organization. Stroke recognition and FAST campaign.