What happens in a heart health check?

The best thing you can do to find out about your risk of heart disease is to see your doctor for a heart health check.

You may not be aware you have risk factors of heart disease early enough. Often there are no symptoms. So it’s really important to get your doctor to check your risks frequently, to ensure your heart is healthy.

We strongly recommend having a heart health check if you’re over 45 years old, and over 35 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

What happens at a heart health check

A heart health check can be done as part of a normal check up with your doctor or health practitioner.

Your doctor will take blood tests, check your blood pressure and ask you about your lifestyle and your family (your grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters). 

Give your doctor as much information about your lifestyle and family history as possible. 

Once your doctor or health practitioner has your blood test results, ask them for your report which will state if you have high (more than15%); moderate (10-15%) or low risk (less than 10%) of a heart attack or stroke.

Watch this short clip with Cardiologist Cathie Coleman from St Vincent's Hospital to find out more about what a heart health check involves.