Heart Health Check

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)  is an umbrella term that includes heart, stroke, and blood vessel diseases and is one of Australia’s largest health problems. It accounts for one in four of all deaths, claiming the life of one person every 12 minutes.

Many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented by adopting healthy behaviours, such as being active, maintaining a nutritious diet, moderating alcohol consumption, and not smoking cigarettes.

Many people may not know their risk of developing heart disease, especially since you often can’t feel risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

You can take proactive steps to improve your overall health and prevent heart disease by getting a clear picture of your heart health.

Who is eligible for a Heart Health Check?

If you are 45 years or older and if you have not yet been diagnosed with heart disease, you are eligible for a free annual Heart Health Check. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are eligible for a Heart Health Check from 30 years of age.

What is involved in a Heart Health Check?

We will gather information regarding your medical history, diet, physical activity levels, your smoking and alcohol consumption status, and your family health history. Our nurse will then check your height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

This information is then used to assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years.

Your doctor will work with you to introduce a plan to lower your risk of heart attack or stroke. This plan may involve changes to your lifestyle, referrals to other health professionals (e.g. dieitians or cardiologists), or medications to lower blood pressure or cholesterol.