Simple text proves simple method for heart attack prevention

About 42,000 texts were sent to Australians over 45 years old who had no record of cardiovascular disease by 200 GP clinics in a pilot study.

Patient Katrina Wilkes, 59, said she received the text and didn’t think her check would come up with any red flags because she was “fit and healthy”.

The 20-minute check-up ended up saving her life as it revealed her blood pressure and cholesterol levels were high.

”(It) was very shocking, really was and life-saving,” Wilkes said.

“I feel very relieved and very supportive of this program.”

Heart Foundation spokesperson Natalie Raffoul said the results blew them away.

Phase two of the study is being rolled out, targeting hotspot areas across the country.

“We believe the study will lay the foundation for future targeted screening programs in Australia,” Raffoul said.

Cardiovascular disease is the top killer of people in Australia.