Heart health checks: what to know and when to book one

Most people who are living with elevated cardiovascular risk have no idea. You may feel fine (mostly!), and you assume that feeling well means being well.

That gap between how you feel and what’s actually happening inside your body is exactly why heart health checks exist. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, rising blood sugar — these things tend to develop slowly and quietly, either with no symptoms or with subtle ones that are easily missed or put down to a particularly busy week.

But, if you’re honest, your life may be a series of busy weeks! Many mid-career professionals are constantly juggling high workloads, disrupted sleep and competing responsibilities. When you’re time-poor, it’s harder to exercise and easier to order takeaway than cook something nutritious. Alcohol intake can also creep up.

What are common heart disease risk factors?

There are recognised modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for heart disease, including:

Age
Family history
Ethnicity
High blood pressure and high cholesterol – there may be no outward signs, which is why a heart health check is helpful
Diabetes
Smoking
Physical inactivity
Weight
Diet
Alcohol consumption
Chronic stress
Poor sleep
Limited social support
Depression, which can be as significant as smoking and obesity when it comes to heart health.

What is a heart health check?

A GP heart health check is a preventive cardiovascular assessment designed to estimate your risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease over the next five years and develop a plan to reduce that risk if necessary.

Your GP will review your personal and family medical history, discuss your lifestyle, and arrange any necessary blood tests to assess cholesterol or blood sugar levels. They’ll also measure your blood pressure, waist circumference and weight.

Your cardiovascular risk profile depends on the combined effect of multiple risk factors. Many GPs use the Australian cardiovascular disease risk calculator to integrate these factors. Once they have a clear picture of your cardiovascular risk, they’ll talk through what it means for you.

Depending on your age and risk profile, your GP may recommend follow-up investigations, ongoing monitoring, medications, lifestyle changes or referral for specialist assessment.

Are the results of a heart health check useful?

Yes. Knowledge is power. Once you know your cardiovascular risk profile, you can take steps to change its trajectory.

Obviously, there’s nothing you can do about your age, genetics or past habits. But many modifiable risk factors can be addressed through lifestyle changes or medical intervention. The cumulative effect of everyday habits can influence cardiovascular risk over time, particularly when unfavourable patterns persist. While change is not easy, your GP and other healthcare professionals can help you to:

Enjoy a sustainable rhythm of exercise
Improve your diet and reduce your alcohol consumption
Find better ways to manage or reduce stress
Improve your sleep

For some people, lifestyle changes alone are enough to reduce risk. For others, medication or specialist support may also play a role. The important thing is that you’re making decisions based on actual information rather than assumptions.

When should you see a GP about your heart health?

It’s worth booking a GP heart health appointment if you’re 45 or older, haven’t had your blood pressure or cholesterol checked recently, have a family history of cardiovascular disease, or simply want a clearer picture of where your long-term health is heading.

Call 000 if you experience severe, worsening, or persistent chest pain lasting more than 10-15 minutes.
Key warning signs of a heart attack include chest pressure or squeezing, pain radiating to the arms, neck, or jaw, shortness of breath, sudden sweating, or dizziness.

How can we help?

Autumn is not about drastic changes, it’s about sustainable adjustments that carry through winter. Our GPs provide preventive heart health assessments tailored to your individual history, risk factors, and health goals. If you’re due for a heart health check or if you have concerns about your heart health, we encourage you to book an appointment.

Disclaimer: All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.

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