Heart Health Checks: Why Every Australian Over 45 Should Have One

What Is a Heart Health Check?

A heart health check is a comprehensive assessment of your cardiovascular risk factors. It estimates your likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years. The Heart Foundation recommends that all Australians aged 45 and over (or 30 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) have a regular heart health check with their GP.

The check typically involves measuring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and assessing lifestyle factors such as smoking status, diet, physical activity, and family history. Your GP uses an Australian cardiovascular risk calculator to produce a risk score.

Why 1.4 Million Australians Are at High Risk

According to the Heart Foundation, approximately 1.4 million Australians have a high chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years -- and many do not know it. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, claiming one life every 12 minutes.

The challenge is that many risk factors for heart disease -- such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early-stage coronary artery disease -- cause no symptoms at all. Without proactive screening, these conditions progress silently until a serious event occurs.

When Your GP Refers You to a Cardiologist

If your heart health check reveals a moderate or high cardiovascular risk, or if your GP detects concerning findings such as an abnormal ECG, a heart murmur, high blood pressure that is difficult to control, or symptoms like chest discomfort or shortness of breath, they may refer you to a cardiologist for further investigation.

A cardiologist can perform specialised tests that go beyond what a GP can assess in the clinic, including detailed heart imaging and stress testing.

What a Cardiologist Can Add to Your Assessment

An echocardiogram provides a detailed ultrasound view of your heart structure, pumping function, and valves. This is often the first test a cardiologist recommends and can reveal thickening of the heart muscle from uncontrolled blood pressure, valve abnormalities, or early signs of heart failure.

A CT coronary angiogram with calcium score directly images the coronary arteries and measures the amount of calcified plaque present. This transforms a statistical risk estimate into a personalised, visual answer about whether you have coronary artery disease.

A stress echocardiogram assesses how your heart responds to exercise, identifying areas that may not receive adequate blood flow during exertion.

At Complete Heart Centre, all of these tests and the specialist consultation are fully bulk billed through Medicare. Cost should never be a barrier to understanding your heart health.

Taking Action After Your Heart Health Check

Whether your risk is low, moderate, or high, a heart health check gives you and your doctor the information you need to take action. For low-risk patients, it provides reassurance and motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For those at moderate or high risk, early intervention -- through lifestyle changes, medication, and specialist monitoring -- can significantly reduce the chance of a heart attack or stroke.

If you are over 45 and have not had a heart health check recently, book one with your GP. If you already have a referral to a cardiologist, Complete Heart Centre offers comprehensive cardiac assessment with no out-of-pocket cost.