Know your risk

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. Every 4 minutes, one Australian has a heart attack or stroke^. Heart disease doesn’t have a single cause, but there are a few risk factors that can increase your chances of developing it. The more risk factors you have, the higher your risk of heart disease.

The good news? Many of these risks can be reduced with positive lifestyle changes.

Book a Heart Health Check today

Heart Health Checks are covered by Medicare and are free at practices that bulk bill this service. Ask your GP about the cost of your Heart Health Check before your visit.

A Heart Health Check with your GP is a simple but important step toward understanding your risk and taking action to keep your heart healthy. This yearly check-up takes around 20-minutes.

Who should book in for a Heart Health Check

If you are aged 45-79 years with no history of heart disease, you are recommended to see your doctor for a Medicare-subsidised Heart Health Check. Some individuals may be eligible earlier, including First Nations people from 30 years, and people with diabetes from 35 years.

Learn more about Heart Health Checks at https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-health-checks

What will happen during your check

Your GP will use a special online calculator, developed for Australians, to work out your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years.

Your GP can then work with you on positive actions that you can take to reduce your risk.

You may be asked to do some routine blood tests before your GP can use the calculator as the results of these blood tests go into calculating a person’s five-year risk. You can ask your GP about this beforehand.

^Heart Foundation 2025