Heart disease: Tamworth and region deadliest in the state for heart disease as new research reveals patients skip checks in pandemic

Locals are at more risk of heart disease than anyone, with the New England North West region ranked the deadliest in the state at 92 of every 100,000 people.

At least 74 per cent don't do enough activity for good health, enter the Tamworth Trekkers.

The Tamworth Heart Foundation walking group has met twice a week for a decade, organiser Robyn Barton said.

"Tamworth has the highest rate of heart disease in the state and that's nothing to be proud of," she said.

"That's why I think it's really important for the local walking group to encourage people to get out and exercise.

"I definitely think for a lot of people they wouldn't walk unless they had someone to walk with, it's easy to find excuses but when you have a group you make the extra effort to catch up with others and have a coffee afterwards."

People in the region face a number of risk factors, with 21 per cent smoking, 19 per cent with high blood pressure, 39 per cent obese and 32 per cent have high cholesterol.

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The trend of patients at high-risk avoiding life-saving checkups in the pandemic has concerned Heart Foundation heart health general manager Bill Stavreski.

"Heart disease doesn't stop during a pandemic," he said.

"It's alarming to see the people who most need to stay in touch with their doctor are the ones missing out.

"Australians are understandably worried about COVID-19, but looking after our hearts has never been more important."