Heart charities across Australia are sounding the alarm during Cholesterol Awareness Week (24–30 Nov 2025), urging us all to pay attention to “the ABCs of ASCVD” — and it’s a message that’s more important than ever, especially for those of us over 60.
ASCVD – short for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease – may sound technical, but it’s essentially the underlying cause of most heart attacks and strokes. Charities Hearts4heart, Heartbeat of Sport, and FH Australia have launched a campaign to help Australians understand three simple, practical steps to protect their heart: Alert, Behaviour, and Check.
Why now? According to official data, ASCVD was behind nearly 45,000 Australian deaths in 2022, representing about a quarter of all deaths that year. It’s often called a “silent disease” – many people with high cholesterol have no obvious symptoms. That’s precisely what this week is about: raising awareness.
The ABCs: A simple, powerful plan
A: Alert – Understand the risks. Elevated cholesterol quietly builds fatty plaque in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
B: Behaviour – Take action. Heart charities are encouraging lifestyle changes like eating for your heart, being more active, and cutting down on unhealthy fats.
C: Check – Know your numbers. You can attend free cholesterol screenings in Adelaide (during the Grand Final weekend!) or educational stalls in Perth.
Tanya Hall, CEO of Hearts4heart, emphasises the gap: “There is a significant difference in understanding the different types of cholesterol, even among people who’ve had a cardiovascular event. Knowing your numbers is vital.”
What recent data tells us
The urgency is backed by research. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that in 2022, 2.1 million Australians – about 8.4 per cent of the population – self-reported high cholesterol. Even more concerning: a recent National Health Measures Survey (2022–24) found that 30.2 per cent of adults had measurably high total cholesterol.
To make matters more complicated, elevated triglyceride levels can be a hidden risk factor, even if LDL (“bad”) cholesterol is under control. Dr Nick Lan, a cardiologist with Fiona Stanley Hospital, warns that treating only LDL may not be enough.
There’s also a genetic component many Australians don’t know about. Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) and high lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), are inherited forms of high cholesterol. Experts say this silent risk affects 1 in 5 people globally, yet many remain undiagnosed.
Take action – it’s never too late
If you’re over 60 – or if your family has a history of heart disease – here’s what you can do:
Get screened. Attend one of the free events in Adelaide or Perth, or talk to your GP about a heart health check.
Make smart lifestyle changes. Even modest improvements in diet and physical activity can lower cholesterol.
Ask about genetics. If you’ve got a family history of heart disease, request testing for FH or Lp(a).
Jenny Della-Vedova, founder of FH Australia, says: “Inherited high cholesterol often goes undiagnosed. These educational stalls give people an early chance to learn and take action.” hearts4heart.org.au
Why this matters for you
At Starts at 60, we talk a lot about retirement, health, and how to enjoy life. But nothing matters more than being around for the people you love. This Cholesterol Awareness Week, don’t miss the chance to understand your heart risk – and act on it. It’s not about fear. It’s about being informed. It’s about prevention. And yes, it’s about giving ourselves the best possible shot at the years ahead.