Take time out of your busy day and make a Donation to an amazing cause. Shed some light on Heart Awareness
Take time out of your busy day and make a Donation to an amazing cause. Shed some light on Heart Awareness
Cholesterol Awareness Week (24 – 30 November 2025) is a national initiative led by Hearts4heart, in collaboration with Heartbeat of Sport and FH Australia.
Cholesterol Awareness Week aims to encourage Australians to learn the ABCs of ASCVD:
The campaign creates an opportunity to empower Australians to better understand their risks, provide ways to manage cholesterol, and educate Australians around the different types of cholesterol including Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH).
High cholesterol refers to elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often referred to as bad cholesterol. Increased levels of bad cholesterol leads to the build-up of fatty deposits (plaque) on the walls of arteries. Over time, this build-up causes the arteries to narrow and stiffen, consequently restricting blood flow and resulting in blockages that prevent oxygen-rich blood from reaching critical organs like the heart and brain.
High levels of cholesterol are a critical risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).2 ASCVD encompasses a range of conditions that can lead to life-threatening events such as heart attacks and strokes. Globally, ASCVD is responsible for 85% of cardiovascular-related deaths.
In 2022, ASCVD was the underlying cause of almost a quarter of all deaths in Australia (45,000 deaths) with this figure expected to increase each year.2
Despite its severity, many Australians remain unaware of their elevated cholesterol levels and only a small proportion actively manage the condition.
This gap in awareness and management highlights the urgent need for more proactive efforts to prevent ASCVD and reduce the overall burden of cardiovascular disease. Managing high cholesterol is essential in reducing the risks associated with ASCVD and improving overall health outcomes.2
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that leads to elevated cholesterol levels. Knowing your family history and obtaining an early diagnosis are crucial for timely treatment and effective management.
High triglycerides are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and contribute to the residual risk.
Risk factors of high cholesterol and ASCVD can include:3
Most people don’t experience symptoms of high cholesterol, earning it the label of a "silent disease."4
A series of free cholesterol screening events will be held in Adelaide, offering Australians of all ages the opportunity to easily check their cholesterol levels and better understand their cardiovascular risk. A range of educational events will also be run in Perth by The South Metropolitan Health Service to raise awareness of cholesterol and promote better heart health.
Supercars BP Adelaide Grand Final
Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch.
Educational stall in foyer.
Fremantle Hospital.
Educational stall in foyer
Peel Health Campus, Greenfields.
Educational stall in foyer.
Rockingham Hospital.
Educational stall in foyer.
Don’t put your heart health on hold. If you’re in the area, come down for a free heart screening. Otherwise, speak to your GP and get your heart checked.
We always appreciate people helping us spread the word. If you would like to get involved in Cholesterol Awareness Week, please email info@hearts4heart.org.au for more information and shareable social media assets.
Cholesterol Awareness Week 2025 is a collaboration between Hearts4heart,
Heartbeat of Sport and FH
Australia
About Heartbeat of Sport
Heartbeat of Sport is a not-for-profit organisation promotes healthy hearts in sport, focused on reducing the number of cardiac events through proactive testing and the promotion of defibrillators at sporting grounds across Australia. To find out more visit https://heartbeatoffootball.com.au/
FH Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that was founded to advance health, by improving Australia-wide awareness, understanding and access to diagnosis and treatments for individuals and families with Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH). To find out more visit https://fhaustralia.org.au/
Cholesterol Awareness Week is proudly supported by:
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