HEALTHY HEART WEEK

Do you know how healthy your heart is?

Do you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or elevated blood sugar levels?

Do you have a family history of cardiac disease?

Coronary Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. It is caused when the arteries leading to the heart become hardened or narrow. Many people, however, 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.

One fifth of Australians aged 45–74 years have a high chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years. and one Australian has a heart attack or stroke every four minutes. Understanding your risk of having a heart attack or stroke is the first step in lowering the risk and Heart Health Checks can help detect issues with your heart health. Therefore, individuals who are 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.

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. 

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.

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.

What should you expect in your Heart Health Check? 

Different tests to check your risk factors

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

An ECG or electrocardiograph will be performed to diagnose irregularities in the heart, record changes in the heart, and establish a baseline reading. An electrocardiogram is a quick, painless test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

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 or nurse 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

Time to book a Heart Health Check?

If you’re 45 and over, or 30 and over if you’re of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you should book your see your GP for a Heart Health Check today.

Message from your CHMC Barwell Nursing Team Leader with reference to the Heart Foundation.