Preventive care: reducing your risk of heart disease

Preventive cardiology focuses on reducing your risk of heart disease before it develops or progresses. Here we explain what it involves and who may benefit.

What is preventive cardiology? Preventive cardiology combines risk assessment (e.g. blood pressure, cholesterol, family history, lifestyle) with personalised advice and, when needed, medication. The goal is to lower your chance of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event.

Who might benefit? - People with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes - Those with a strong family history of heart disease - People who have had a heart event and want to minimise the risk of another (secondary prevention) - Anyone who wants a structured heart health check

What does a heart health check involve? Your doctor will take a detailed history, including family history, and may arrange blood tests and sometimes imaging (e.g. ECG, echocardiogram). Based on the results, you will receive clear advice on lifestyle—diet, exercise, not smoking—and may be offered medication (e.g. for cholesterol or blood pressure) in line with Australian guidelines.

Lifestyle matters Even small changes can help: eating more vegetables and fewer processed foods, moving more, and not smoking. Your cardiologist or GP can help you set realistic goals.

If you have risk factors or a family history of heart disease, talk to your GP about whether a heart health check or referral to a cardiologist is right for you.

*This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Always speak to your doctor about your own situation.*