CARDIOLOGIST Dr Ross Walker will present a new tool for pharmacists at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference in March, which he says could improve the heart health of the 80% of Australians currently at-risk.
Many Australians are claimed to be at increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) because according to a recent study, four out of every five don't get enough Omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish) in their diet.
Walker believes the new finger-prick heart health test should become the "clinical standard in healthcare" and will be presenting the practice to pharmacists at the conference in hopes of it becoming broadly adopted.
"While patients can't change their family history or age, they can take action on their Omega-3 Index to reduce their risk of sudden cardiac death," he said.
"The Omega-3 Index Test is a simple finger-prick blood test that provides a window into the health of an individual.
"This test is a cost-effective marker of an individual's Omega-3 status and ... provides an excellent opportunity for community pharmacy professionals to help improve the heart health of their patients."
The session will also advise on the use of supplements and how patients can retest and track their progress over time.
"Now that we have a validated test for Omega-3 levels, we should be using it to help reduce cardiovascular risk and promote wellness," Walker explained.
The Omega-3 Index Test will be available for pharmacists to test their own Omega-3 levels at the APP conference on the Gold Coast.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Jan 17
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 17 Jan 17
