heart health · 2025 · 2 min read
Your heart health matters
key points
- Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of illness in Australia, and much of it is preventable.
- A simple GP visit gives you a clear picture of your heart health before symptoms ever appear.
- Your GP uses the Australian CVD Risk Calculator to estimate your risk over the next five years.
- Knowing your risk lets you act early, with lifestyle changes, managing blood pressure or cholesterol, or medication if needed.
- If you are 35 or older, it is worth booking a heart check with your GP.
By the time we hit our mid-30s, life gets busy, careers, families, responsibilities. But there's one thing we shouldn't overlook: our heart health.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of illness in Australia, yet many of us don't think about checking our heart until symptoms appear.
The good news? A simple visit to your GP can give you a clear picture of your heart health and help prevent problems before they start.
What happens at a heart check?
Your GP will take the time to ask important questions about your lifestyle, your diet, exercise habits, stress levels, smoking or alcohol intake, and even your family history. This is all part of a comprehensive risk assessment using the Australian CVD Risk Calculator, which estimates your likelihood of developing heart disease in the next five years.
Why it's worth your time
Understanding your risk means you can take action now. Depending on your results, your GP may recommend:
- Simple lifestyle changes, like tweaking your diet or increasing physical activity
- Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels
- Stopping smoking or reducing alcohol intake
- Medication, if necessary, to lower your risk
- Referring you for further tests and specialists as necessary
Heart disease is largely preventable, and early intervention is key. So, if you're 35 or older, take charge of your health. Book a heart check with your GP today, it's a small step that can make a big difference for your future.
Your heart will thank you!
Dr Ahmed Al-Obaidi · FRACGP
General information only, not personal medical advice. Talk to your own GP about what suits you.