Time to book a Heart Health Check

Do you know your risk of having a heart attack or stroke? 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 our RNs 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.

Why should you get a Heart Health Check?

Heart Health Checks can detect issues with your heart health. Coronary heart disease is usually the underlying cause of a heart attack, which is Australia’s number one cause of death and is caused when the arteries leading to the heart become hardened or narrow.

One Australian has a heart attack or stroke every four minutes. Many people may not be aware of their risk factors for heart disease. Also, some risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol can be silent.

Who needs a Heart Health Check?

One fifth of Australians aged 50 – 74 years have a high chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years.

Anyone 50 years and over or 30 years and over for ATSI peoples should have a regular Heart Health Check.

What should you expect in your Heart Health Check?

Different tests to check your risk factors

Your GP or our RN will check your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

A discussion about your history and lifestyle

Your lifestyle is an important part of assessing your risk of heart disease, as these factors can all play a part. You may be asked about:

• Your diet
• Physical activity levels
• If you smoke or drink alcohol
• Whether you are maintaining a healthy weight
• Your medical and family history.

Risk assessment

Next, your GP will use the information gathered to assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years.

Make a plan

If needed, your GP or our RN will work with you to set a plan for improving your risk factors for heart disease and keep on top of your heart health.

Take medication

People at high risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years may need to take medication and make lifestyle changes to lower their risk.

Referral for more support

Your GP may refer you to another health professional for further support. For example, this could include seeing a dietitian to help you make the right changes to your diet or other lifestyle support programs and walking groups.

What are the benefits of a Heart Health Check?

Understanding your risk of having a heart attack or stroke is the first step in lowering the risk. Your GP or our RN will give you advice on the immediate steps you can take to lower your risk of heart disease.

How much does a Heart Health Check cost?

Heart Health Checks are covered by Medicare and will be bulk-billed.

Patients can make an online appointment by clicking on BOOK NOW on our website, via the Hot Doc app on your smart phone or by calling our branches at Unley or Hawthorn on 8373 0355 or 7129 3094 respectively.