In short: A heart health check looks at your risk of heart attack and stroke over the next five years, using things like blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and family history. Australian guidelines suggest regular risk checks from age 45, earlier for some people. Here it's part of the 30-minute men's health check, A$169. Chest pain now? Call 000.
Chest pain, pressure or tightness, severe breathlessness, or a face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech right now: call 000. Don't wait to book anything.
What does a heart health check look at?
Australian guidelines use an overall risk approach rather than one number on its own. That usually means the doctor considers:
- your age and family history of heart disease
- blood pressure
- cholesterol, if there's a recent result or one is needed
- whether you smoke or vape
- diabetes, and kidney health where relevant
- weight, activity, alcohol and sleep
Put together, those give an estimate of risk. It's an estimate, not a forecast, and it's most useful as a starting point for a conversation.
Who should get their heart risk checked?
The Australian guideline recommends cardiovascular risk assessment for adults aged 45 to 79, from 35 for people with diabetes, and from 30 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Some people need it earlier or more often, for example with a strong family history. Your doctor decides what applies to you.
Medicare also funds a heart health check with a usual GP for some people. If you have a GP, it's worth asking whether you're eligible.
What happens after the check?
You get a written plan. Depending on what the doctor finds, that might cover tests, habits worth changing, a referral, or simply a date to check again. Any treatment is offered only if your doctor decides it is right for you. Nothing is decided by a questionnaire.
Which route makes sense for you?
| if this is you | do this |
|---|---|
| Chest pain, severe breathlessness or stroke signs now | Call 000 |
| New or worsening symptoms that aren't an emergency | See a GP today |
| Heart condition already managed by your GP or cardiologist | Stay with them |
| 45 or over, no symptoms, no recent risk check | A men's health check, A$169 |
| Under 45 with a family history that worries you | A men's health check, and mention it first |
Before you book
- No referral needed. Start with the two-minute check.
- No payment to check. You pay when you book a time.
- Bring recent results. It may save you a test.
- Tests only if indicated. Lab-billed, cost shown first.
- Medicare. Rebate depends on eligibility, shown before you pay.
- Refunds. [refund line]
last check: ____
The stuff you've been meaning to ask
I feel fine. Is there any point?
That's mostly the point. High blood pressure and high cholesterol usually don't cause symptoms, so feeling fine doesn't tell you much either way.
Will I need a blood test for cholesterol?
Possibly. If you don't have a recent result and it would change the plan, the doctor may order one. It's billed by the lab, and you see the cost first.
Do you do ECGs or stress tests?
Only if your doctor decides you need one, in which case they refer you. They aren't routine for people without symptoms.
How often should I have my heart risk checked?
It depends on your risk. Lower risk usually means less often, higher risk more often. Your doctor sets the interval and puts it in your plan.
Will you tell me to stop eating meat pies?
We'll tell you what the numbers suggest and what's worth changing first. What you do with it is up to you.
References
- Commonwealth of Australia. Australian guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk, 2023. cvdcheck.org.au
- Heart Foundation. Heart Health Checks. heartfoundation.org.au
- The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice (the Red Book), 10th edition, updated 2025. racgp.org.au
General information, the doctor decides.
Put your heart on the list, for once
Heart risk is one part of a 30-minute check with a named doctor. A$169.
Start your check takes two minutes · no payment to check · no referral needed