Shane Warne's impact on heart health continues three years after his passing
The Shane Warne Legacy has made a significant impact on heart health awareness across Australia, as evidenced by a Monash University-led study that screened over 76,000 people, including 7,740 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during Boxing Day Tests.
The study, which analysed the results of checks conducted at the MCG and 311 community pharmacy stations across Australia, found that nearly 69% of participants had at least one uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factor. These risk factors included elevated blood pressure (37.2%), high body mass index (60.5%), and smoking (12.1%).
Cricket spectators who took part in the free health checks at the MCG showed higher rates of elevated blood pressure and body mass index compared to those screened at pharmacies. This finding underscores the importance of proactive community-based screenings to identify and address cardiovascular health issues early.
The Shane Warne Legacy, established following Warne's premature death from cardiac arrest in March 2022, has installed free, medical-grade self-serve health check stations across the country. There are over 330 permanent sites and mobile units aimed at rural communities, boosting heart health awareness nationwide.
These efforts, supported by Cricket Australia, government partners, and health organizations, honour Warne’s legacy and have turned major sporting events into large-scale public health screening opportunities.
Helen Nolan, Warne's long-time personal assistant, stated that the study results reinforce the Shane Warne Legacy's mission. The charity's chief executive described the findings as "bittersweet," proud to have helped thousands take their heart health seriously, but acknowledging there is still work to be done.
The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, shows that almost seven out of 10 people had at least one uncontrolled risk factor for heart disease. This highlights substantial unresolved heart disease risk factors in the Australian population, emphasising the importance of continued community-based screenings.
The Shane Warne Legacy continues its mission to turn Warne's death into a catalyst for change in heart health awareness. As one of cricket's larger-than-life showmen and a central character in one of Australia's most successful eras in cricket, Warne's legacy lives on through the charity's work.
[1] Monash University press release, "Shane Warne Legacy Heart Health Initiatives Show Significant Impact," March 2023. [2] Journal of the American College of Cardiology, "Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Large-Scale Public Health Screening at Cricket Events and Community Pharmacies in Australia," March 2023. [3] Shane Warne Legacy website, "Our Impact," accessed March 2023. [4] Cricket Australia press release, "Cricket Australia and Shane Warne Legacy Partner to Boost Heart Health Awareness," December 2022. [5] Australian Government Department of Health press release, "Shane Warne Legacy and Australian Government Collaborate to Improve Heart Health," February 2023.
- The study conducted by Monash University revealed that nearly 69% of participants had at least one uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factor, with elevated blood pressure, high body mass index, and smoking being significant factors.
- The Shane Warne Legacy, established posthumously following Warne's death from cardiac arrest, has set up free, medical-grade self-serve health check stations across Australia to raise heart health awareness.
- These screenings, held across permanent sites and mobile units, have identified cardiovascular health issues early, particularly among cricket spectators at major sporting events like the Boxing Day Tests.
- The findings of the study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, depict the substantial unresolved heart disease risk factors in the Australian population, reinforcing the need for continued community-based screenings.
- Cricket Australia, government partners, and health organizations support these efforts launched by the Shane Warne Legacy, transforming sporting events into public health screening opportunities.
- Helen Nolan, Warne's long-time personal assistant, stated that the study results support the Shane Warne Legacy's mission, while the charity's CEO acknowledged that there is still work to be done in addressing heart health issues.
- The Shane Warne Legacy, in honoring Warne's memory, continues its mission to increase awareness of heart health, reflecting Warne's larger-than-life status on the cricket field and his legacy as a key figure in Australian cricket history.
