High cholesterol and blood pressure, and smoking, are the biggest heart health threats faced by Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents.
The latest Victorian Heart Maps data, released by the Heart Foundation, shows 13.34 heart attacks for every 10,000 people in the Macedon Ranges during 2013.
The rate in Hume was 17.97.
While the figures were an improvement on those recorded in 2008, experts say they remain too high.
Rates for cardiac arrest were largely static, at 5.52 per 10,000 in the Macedon Ranges and 6.24 in Hume. Loddon was the state’s worst area for heart health, with a heart attack rate of 63.78 per 10,000.
Across the state, rates tended to be much higher in regional areas.
Drawing links between heart problems and socioeconomic disadvantage, Heart Foundation chief executive Diana Heggie said too many people didn’t have access to the information and resources needed to prevent and manage heart disease.
‘‘The findings reinforce the need for greater emphasis on prevention and enabling communities to respond to emergencies,’’ Ms Heggie said.
Earlier this year, a 46-year-old woman was showing signs of developing a heart attack when she was given life-saving treatment at Kyneton District Health’s (KDH) 24-hour urgent care centre.
One of the hospital’s rural and isolated practice endorsed registered nurses administered early intervention drugs and fast-tracked the woman’s admission to a Melbourne hospital via a retrieval service.
KDH chief executive Maree Cuddihy said the woman avoided a stressful and potentially life-threatening drive to the city.
‘‘It’s an example that highlights how fortunate we are in the Macedon Ranges to have proximity to quality healthcare, both close to home and not too far along the freeway,’’ she said.
Medical services director Dr Peter Sloan said regular GP visits were important.
‘‘If you can manage high cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking with your health professional, and make an effort to eat well and exercise regularly, then you’re probably looking after your heart reasonably well,’’ he said.
