Heart Health Check
This initiative from the Australian government is designed for Australian residents who meet the eligible criteria listed below.
Are you over 30 years old? The Australian Government has confirmed additional funding for Heart Health Checks, allowing eligible individuals aged 30 years and over to access a free Heart Health Check at participating GP clinics that bulk bill this service.
Who needs a Heart Health Check?
With heart disease being the leading cause of death in Australians, understanding your heart health early can help identify risk factors and support lifestyle changes that reduce the likelihood of heart attack or stroke.
Heart health checks are generally recommended for individuals who:
are aged between 45 and 79 years
have been diagnosed with diabetes from 35 years
are first nations aged from 30 years
have a history of tobacco cigarette smoking
have a family health history of heart health problems
What should you expect in your Heart Health Check?
1. Discuss
The risk of developing heart disease can be influenced by a range of factors. Your GP or nurse may ask about your smoking status, whether you have diabetes, any medications you’re taking, other health conditions, your family history, your ethnic background, and even your postcode, all of which can provide important insights into your overall risk.
2. Check
Your GP or nurse may check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels as part of assessing key indicators linked to heart disease risk.
3. Assess
Your GP will assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the next five years using a clinically validated cardiovascular risk assessment tool recommended for use in Australia.
4. Plan
Your GP or nurse will help you create a plan to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. This may include lifestyle changes, referrals to support programs or specialists like dieticians, and prescribing medication to manage blood pressure or cholesterol.
This initiative is funded by the Australian government for eligible individuals regardless of whether they currently have private health insurance.
For more information, visit the Australian government website or click the link below to visit the Heart Foundation for useful information on the program and heart healthy tips.