Heart health check: The 20-minute test that could save your life

Heart disease is a leading killer in Australia, resulting in one in 4 deaths and more than 1,600 hospitalisations every day.¹

Once thought of as a condition only affecting older men, the impact on women and younger people is now better understood.

Knowing the key causes of heart disease can give you some valuable insights into your health and how you can reduce your risk.²

Common risk factors for heart disease fall into one of 2 categories: modifiable (meaning we may be able to make changes that reduce our risk) and non-modifiable.

Non-modifiable risks include:³

• a family history of heart disease
• a pre-existing health condition, such as diabetes⁴
• congenital heart defects
• sex (men are at more risk than women)
• ethnicity (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a higher risk, as do people with Māori, Pacific Islander, South Asian or Middle Eastern backgrounds)⁵
• advancing age.

Modifiable risk factors include:³

• obesity or being overweight
• a sedentary lifestyle
• smoking and excessive alcohol intake
• an unhealthy diet
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol.

Some risks only apply to one sex, says Advara HeartCare cardiologist Dr Chethan Kasargod.

"Because more women are having pregnancies over the age of 35, we are seeing more cases of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, both of which put women at a higher risk of heart disease and heart attack in later life."

More than half of all Aussie adults live with 3 or more modifiable risk factors for heart disease, meaning many cases may be preventable.³

A heart health check is a 20-minute test that your GP or clinic nurse can do. The results can allow your GP to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease in the next 5 years, while identifying any lifestyle changes that may help reduce that risk.

For healthy Australian adults over 45, people over 35 with diabetes and First Nations people over the age of 30, the test is available annually and is covered by Medicare.*

Your healthcare provider will ask you a series of questions, such as:

• whether you have any family history of heart disease, heart attack or stroke
• your medical history
• lifestyle factors, such as your diet and if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Your healthcare professional may also check your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Once your GP has the results, they can explain your risk factors and create a plan with you to help reduce any modifiable risks. They may also refer you for further tests.

All healthy adults aged 45 to 79 years are eligible for a heart health check.

Heart disease can be present in the body for many years before symptoms appear, meaning even if you're feeling well, you should still have a heart health check. The results will give you a greater insight into your heart health and help identify how you can reduce your risk of health problems as you get older.

Early detection of heart disease is vital to ensure treatment and changes in lifestyle or behaviours can begin as soon as possible.

And, if you have any symptoms or a family history, a heart health check is one of the best ways to identify any problems. According to Dr Kasargod:

"Any red flags should be explored immediately at your local emergency department. That includes any discomfort in the chest lasting more than 10 to 15 minutes, any fluttering in the chest and any sudden nausea or fatigue while exercising. Don't wait to get checked. Doctors don't mind a false alarm, but we never want to miss the opportunity to treat a heart issue before it becomes more serious."

A heart health check is a quick, easy way to identify your risk of a heart attack or stroke, and any modifiable risk factors you have that could decrease that risk if addressed.

Depending on the results from your heart health check, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist for further tests.

If yours or someone else’s life is in danger, or you are experiencing chest pains or the symptoms listed above, dial 000 immediately.
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*Ask about any fees with your chosen provider when you book your heart health check.

In this article we use the terms 'men' and 'women' to include both cisgendered men and women, and those who were assigned 'male' or 'female' at birth, but whose gender identity now differs.