Walking is convenient, free and fun (for many). It’s also a great way to look after your heart. That’s why this Women’s Health Week, we’ve teamed up with our friends at the Heart Foundation to shine a light on women’s heart health and the power of walking groups.
When Renea Camilleri attended a local Heart Foundation walking group, she knew her heart was going to get a good workout.
But an unexpected joy? Having a laugh with a new group of people.
“It was really fun,” says Renea from the Jean Hailes for Women’s Health partnerships and engagement team. “I felt good, got my steps in and met some really lovely people.”
Renea is one of the more than 400,000 Australians who has participated in Heart Foundation Walking since it launched in 1995.
The free program encourages people around the country to join or start their own local walking group.
This Women’s Health Week, Jean Hailes is encouraging women to get involved in the program too – all in the name of heart health.
“Walking is an easy way to look after your heart … and something you can build up over time,” says Renea.
The Heart Foundation program is also “a great way to get moving and meet people in your community”, she adds.
According to cardiologist Dr Alicia Chan, walking helps improve circulation and lower blood pressure, which are both important for a healthy heart.
“Walking also has positive benefits for mental wellbeing,” says Dr Chan, who supports the Heart Foundation as an advisory board member. “When women walk together, it becomes even more powerful, offering social connection, support and that extra motivation to stay consistent and accountable.”
In Australia, heart disease is a leading cause of death among women.
Yet Dr Chan says: “It’s often overlooked in women’s health conversations.”
Dr Chan, who sees women with heart disease every week, says the disease presents and progresses differently in women compared to men in several important ways.
“First, women often don’t experience the ‘classic’ central, crushing chest pain [with a heart attack],” she explains. “Instead, they are more likely to have symptoms like nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue or jaw discomfort.
“Second, women face unique risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy, and the hormonal changes that occur with menopause. These can significantly accelerate cardiovascular risk.
“Third, women are still too often underdiagnosed or have their symptoms overlooked. We need to shift the narrative. Heart health is just as critical for women, and early awareness can be life-saving.”
Do you know the warning signs of a heart attack, and what to do next? Explore info, action plans and videos from the Heart Foundation.
While improving women's heart health is everyone's responsibility, Dr Chan says walking is one of the most effective ways women can look after their own heart health.
To find a walking group in your local area, use the finder on the Heart Foundation Walking website.
You can find walks to suit your preferred day and speed, and groups that are pram, wheelchair and dog friendly.
If you can’t find a suitable walking group in your area, you can become a Heart Foundation volunteer and start your own group.
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