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Do you know what your risk of having a heart attack or stroke is? Having a regular Heart Health Check with your GP will help you better understand your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Most importantly, your GP and nurse can support you to lower this risk. A Heart Health Check is a 20-minute check-up with your GP to assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. Many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented through healthy behaviours like following a heart-healthy eating pattern, being active, maintaining a healthy weight and being smoke-free.
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.
Speak to your GP about a Heart Health Check if you do not already have heart disease.
There are many different factors that can all play a part in your risk of developing heart disease. Your GP or nurse may ask about:
Your GP or nurse may check your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Your GP will work out your chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years, using a clinically validated calculator.
Your GP or nurse will work with you to set a plan to lower your risk of heart attack or stroke. This may involve:
Since April 2019, Heart Health Checks have been covered by Medicare and are free at practices that bulk bill this service.
Ask your GP about the cost of your Heart Health Check before your visit.
The Heart Foundation has plenty of free resources and activities that can help you make positive changes to your lifestyle:
Cardiovascular disease is the biggest contributor to preventable morbidity and mortality among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
You’re probably familiar with some of the more ‘classic’ symptoms of heart disease. Chest pain (angina) which might feel like an uncomfortable pressure or heaviness. Palpitations or sensation of a racing heart. Feeling short of breath or having difficulty breathing.
The medical tests needed to diagnose your heart disease depend on what condition your doctor thinks you might have based on your symptoms (if any), risk factors and medical history
Last updated24 April 2024