23 May Time to book a Heart Health Check

Time to book a Heart Health Check

With one Australian having a heart attack or stroke every 4 minutes, you have the power to change this statistic. If you’re 45 and over, or 30 and over if you’re of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you should book your Heart Health Check today.

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? 

A Heart Health Check is a regular check-up performed by your doctor. A Heart Health Check helps you to understand your risk factors for heart disease and estimate how likely you are to have a heart attack or stroke in the next five years.

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.  Coronary heart disease is caused when the arteries leading to the heart become hardened or narrow.

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 45–74 years have a high chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years.

Anyone 45 years and over or 30 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should have a regular Heart Health Check with their doctor.

What should you expect in your Heart Health Check?  

Different tests to check your risk factors 

Your GP 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 uses 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 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 will give you advice on the immediate steps you can take to lower your risk of heart disease.

Who do I contact to make an appointment?

To book in for your Heart Health Check please contact our Timboon Clinic on 5558 6088.