St John is highlighting a spike in cardiac incidents in earthquake-ravaged Christchurch as part of promotions for World Heart Day today.
The ambulance service provider said there were 4899 cardiac-related incidents in Christchurch from September 2011 to August 2012, up from the 4174 from September 2009 to August 2010.
Messages of heart health and being prepared were especially pertinent in Christchurch, said Pete Cain, St John district operations manager for Canterbury.
St John had seen a significant increase in cardiac incidents in Christchurch since 2009, he said.
"In our country, 40 percent of deaths annually can be attributed to cardiovascular disease. St John statistics show that, in Christchurch, there is continuing growth in heart-related conditions and diseases."
St John encourages people to have regular blood pressure checks, keep to a healthy diet, take regular exercise and have regular health check-ups.
Christchurch had had 58 earthquakes over magnitude 5.0 since the first big 7.1 shake on September 4, 2010, GNS principal scientist Martin Reyners said.
NZN