Taking care of your heart is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. A Heart Health Check with your GP is a vital step in understanding your risk of heart disease and what actions you can take to prevent it. Whether you’re already experiencing symptoms or simply want peace of mind, scheduling a Heart Health Check could make all the difference in safeguarding your heart for the future.
What is a Heart Health Check?
A Heart Health Check is a routine assessment conducted by your GP to evaluate your risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the next five years. It involves a comprehensive review of your overall health and looks at various factors that could increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
During the check, your GP will assess key risk factors, including:
- Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can damage your arteries, making it harder for your heart to pump blood effectively.
- Cholesterol Levels: Elevated cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in your arteries, restricting blood flow.
- Blood Sugar Levels: Diabetes or pre-diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease if left unmanaged.
- Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI): Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
- Lifestyle Habits: Your GP will ask about your diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption to assess how these habits might affect your heart health.
Why You Should Have a Heart Health Check
- Prevent Heart Disease Early A Heart Health Check helps identify risk factors early so you can take proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing heart disease. Many risk factors, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, don’t show obvious symptoms but can quietly cause damage over time.
- Understand Your Personal Risk Your GP will use the information gathered during your check to calculate your personal risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the next five years. This personalized risk assessment gives you a clear picture of where you stand and helps guide preventive actions.
- Create a Heart Health Action Plan Based on the results of your Heart Health Check, your GP can work with you to develop a tailored action plan. This may include lifestyle changes, medications, or additional tests to manage your heart health effectively.
- Reduce the Risk of a Heart Attack or Stroke Making small but consistent changes after a Heart Health Check can significantly reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. Your GP will help you focus on manageable goals like improving your diet, quitting smoking, getting more exercise, or managing stress.
Who Should Book a Heart Health Check?
If you’re aged 45 and over (or 30 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), you should book a Heart Health Check with your GP. You may also benefit from a check if you:
- Have a family history of heart disease or stroke
- Are overweight or obese
- Smoke or have recently quit smoking
- Have high blood pressure or cholesterol
- Are living with diabetes
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle
Even if you feel healthy, it’s important to assess your heart health regularly. Many people with heart disease are unaware of their condition until it’s too late, so prevention is key.
What Happens After the Check?
After your Heart Health Check, your GP will provide you with a comprehensive assessment and recommendations. If any risk factors are identified, you’ll receive guidance on lifestyle changes, medications, or further testing. Your GP may also suggest follow-up checks to monitor your progress and ensure your heart health is on track.
Book Your Heart Health Check Today
Your heart works tirelessly for you every day, and a simple check-up can ensure it continues to do so for years to come. Taking the time to schedule a Heart Health Check with your GP is a proactive step towards a healthier heart and a healthier life.
Don’t wait for symptoms to show up. Book your Heart Health Check today and take control of your heart health before it’s too late.
