The Heart Health Check: who should book and what it involves

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Australia, yet many of its risk factors can be managed. A Heart Health Check is a structured appointment that looks at your overall chance of having a heart attack or stroke over the next five years, so you can make informed choices.

Who the Heart Health Check is for

The Heart Health Check is generally recommended for adults aged 45 and over, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from age 30. People with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking or a family history of heart disease may benefit from discussing their heart health earlier.

It is designed for people who have not already been diagnosed with heart disease. If you already have a heart condition, ongoing review with your GP is the usual approach.

What happens at the appointment

A Heart Health Check usually includes measuring your blood pressure, reviewing your cholesterol and blood sugar results (or arranging tests), and discussing your lifestyle, family history, weight and smoking status.

This information is combined in an Australian risk calculator to estimate your five-year risk of a heart attack or stroke. Your GP then explains what the result means and the options that may lower it.

Know your numbers

Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose are three numbers worth knowing. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it is called the silent condition. Cholesterol and blood sugar are measured with a blood test, which can be collected onsite by 4Cyte Pathology at Morisset Doctors.

Waist measurement is another useful marker, as carrying extra weight around the middle is linked with heart and metabolic risk.

Everyday steps that support heart health

Aim for regular physical activity most days, such as brisk walking around the lake foreshore or local streets. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and fish, and limit salt, processed foods and sugary drinks.

Stopping smoking or vaping, limiting alcohol, managing stress and getting enough sleep all make a difference. Small, sustainable changes are more effective than drastic short-term efforts.

Warning signs of a heart attack

Heart attack symptoms can include chest pain, pressure or discomfort that may spread to the arms, neck, jaw or back, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating or dizziness. Symptoms can be different in women and may be less obvious.

If you experience warning signs, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Do not wait or drive yourself to hospital.

Blood pressure: the numbers explained

Blood pressure is written as two numbers, such as 120 over 80. The top number (systolic) is the pressure when your heart beats, and the bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure between beats. Consistently high readings increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.

Readings can vary through the day and may be higher in a clinic setting. Your doctor may suggest home blood pressure monitoring or a 24-hour monitor for a more accurate picture.

Cholesterol and what it means

Cholesterol is a fatty substance carried in the blood. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called 'bad' cholesterol because high levels contribute to plaque in the arteries, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps remove cholesterol. Triglycerides are another type of blood fat.

Your cholesterol result is considered alongside your other risk factors, rather than on its own, to understand your overall heart health and whether any changes or treatment may help.

Heart health for women

Heart disease is a leading cause of death for Australian women, yet it is often under-recognised. Conditions such as high blood pressure in pregnancy, gestational diabetes and early menopause can increase future heart risk.

Women may experience heart attack symptoms differently, including breathlessness, nausea, back or jaw pain and unusual tiredness. Knowing the signs and having regular checks helps.

Booking a Heart Health Check in Morisset

Book online through HotDoc or call reception on (02) 4006 8222 and mention that you would like a Heart Health Check so the right appointment length is allowed. Bring any recent blood test results and a list of medicines.

If you do not have recent results, your GP can arrange blood tests, which can be collected onsite.

Frequently asked questions

This article provides general health information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Everyone's situation is different. Please book an appointment to discuss your own health. In an emergency, call 000.