Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, but the good news is that many heart conditions can be prevented or well-managed with the proper support, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups.  

This Heart Week (5–11 May 2025), we’re encouraging our community to learn more about heart disease, understand their risk, and take proactive steps towards better heart health with the support of our caring team at our Geelong Medical Centre, Kardinia Health.

What is heart disease? 

Heart disease is a broad term used to describe a group of conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart. It includes: 

• Coronary heart disease 

• Heart failure 

• Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) 

• Valvular Disease 

These conditions may develop due to genetics, lifestyle factors, or other health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Some people are born with heart conditions, while others develop them over time due to risk factors like smoking, poor diet, or lack of physical activity. 

Sadly, heart disease kills one Australian every 18 minutes, but many of these outcomes are preventable. 

What is Heart Week? 

Heart Week is an annual awareness campaign led by the Heart Foundation. Held each May, it aims to start important conversations about heart health and encourage Australians to take simple steps to protect their hearts.  

This year, the focus is on prevention because small, consistent lifestyle changes can make a big difference. 

Prevention starts with everyday choices 

While there’s no single cause of heart disease, certain risk factors significantly increase your chances of developing it. These include: 

• High blood pressure 

• High cholesterol 

• Diabetes 

• Smoking 

• Inactivity 

• Poor diet 

• Family history 

The good news? Many of these factors can be improved through healthy habits such as: 

• Eating a heart-healthy diet 

• Being physically active most days 

• Quitting smoking 

• Managing stress and sleep 

If you’re unsure where to start, your Geelong GP at Kardinia Health can help you create a personalised plan based on your health, lifestyle and risk profile. 

Heart Health Checks at Kardinia Health 

One of the best ways to understand your heart health is through a Heart Health Check with your GP. 

A Heart Health Check appointment is designed to assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the next five years. It includes: 

1. Discussion – Your GP will discuss your lifestyle, family history, existing conditions, and medications. 

1. Check-up – You may have your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar tested. 

1. Risk assessment – Your GP will calculate your risk using a validated tool. 

1. Action plan – You’ll receive a personalised plan to reduce your risk, including lifestyle changes, referrals to allied health professionals, or medication. 

These checks are recommended for: 

• People aged 45–79 
• First Nations people aged 30+
• People with diabetes aged 30+  

Support from Kardinia Health 

Kardinia Health also offers a range of other services and further investigations, which may be suggested by your GP following your heart health check.  

These include: 

• Electrocardiograms (ECG) – To assess the rate and rhythm of your heart 

• Echocardiogram (ECHO) – An ultrasound of the heart to assess the structure and function of your heart and its valves 

• 24-hour Holter Monitor – To assess the rate and rhythm of your heart over a full 24-hour period 

• 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor – To assess your blood pressure with multiple readings over 24 hours  

We take a team-based approach to heart health at our Geelong Medical Centre. Our GPs work closely with allied health professionals such as dietitians, diabetes educators, and physiotherapists to provide well-rounded care tailored to your needs. 

Whether you’re looking to better understand your heart health, manage an existing condition, or make lifestyle changes, we’re here to support you at every step. 

Our Geelong Medical Centre is committed to supporting the long-term heart health of our community with personalised, comprehensive care. To book a Heart Health check, call the clinic on (03) 5202 9333 or book online through our website.