A comprehensive cardiac risk assessment with one of our cardiologists aims to identify problems or risk factors early, enabling you to take preventative steps. We provide evidence-based management strategies to help you avoid developing cardiovascular disease in the first place rather than requiring medical or surgical intervention after a life-altering cardiac event.
Cardiac disease encompasses a number of heart conditions, including coronary heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmia. While you may have certain heart disease risk factors that cannot be modified, such as genetics, there are still positive steps you can take to minimise your likelihood of developing a serious condition.
To get a sense of your risk, you may use the Australian cardiovascular risk calculator available here. However, this does not replace a comprehensive assessment by a cardiologist.
The chemicals inhaled from smoking cause both short- and long-term detrimental effects on your heart and blood vessels. People who smoke are at a considerably higher risk of mortality from heart attack and stroke.
A balanced, heart-healthy diet high in wholegrains, fibre, antioxidants, and healthy fats can protect your heart and reduce the impact of other risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or being overweight. Excessive consumption of ultraprocessed foods, saturated fats, and sodium can all contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
Regular physical activity has been found to reduce heart disease risk by up to one third. In addition to keeping your heart fit, exercise helps to manage your body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol, which all contribute to better heart health.
Excessive long-term alcohol consumption increases your risk of heart disease through its effects on your blood pressure, heart rate, and triglyceride levels. Heavy or binge drinking is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmia.
Uncontrolled hypertension is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease. Unfortunately, most people develop hypertension without realising, underscoring the importance of regular health checks. Hypertension can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes.
Elevated cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, as fatty deposits build up along the walls of your blood vessels and can cause a partial or full blockage. High cholesterol can be managed with dietary changes and medications.
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heart disease by contributing to the development of problems such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight or live with obesity are more likely to develop heart failure, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmia.
The elevated blood sugar levels found in diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout your body, including those supplying your heart. Diabetes is also associated with other risk factors for heart disease, including hypertension, high cholesterol, and being overweight. People living with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and others, are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. This relationship is thought to be largely due to how people living with a mental health condition engage in general self-care practices such as physical activity and eating well.
Older age is a risk factor for many health conditions, not just those affecting the heart. Natural age-related structural changes to your heart, tissue damage that may have accumulated over time, and other contributing conditions that are more likely with age such as hypertension or high cholesterol, all increase your risk of heart disease as you get older.
Having a family member who has heart disease does not automatically mean you will develop cardiac problems yourself, but it does increase the risk. Approximately one half of the risk of coronary artery disease is heritable, while the remaining risk is associated with lifestyle and environment, and may be modifiable. Though you cannot change your family history, you can minimise your overall heart disease risk through heart-healthy lifestyle changes and managing other risk factors such as hypertension.
In addition to being affected by the same heart disease risk factors as men, women are also exposed to certain female-specific risks. Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes are risk factors for developing heart disease, as are the physiological changes that come with menopause.
People of South Asian, Middle Eastern, Maori/Pacific Islander, and First Nations heritage are at a greater risk of developing heart disease. Unfortunately, these populations also often experience higher mortality from cardiac events, possibly due to a complex interaction between genetics, cultural factors, and access to timely cardiac care.
A thorough cardiac risk assessment with our cardiologists starts with a discussion of your lifestyle habits, medical history, and family history. Your cardiologist may also perform or organise basic tests for you, such as:
Depending on your known risk factors and degree of suspicion for heart disease, your cardiologist may perform more advanced tests, including:
A cardiac risk assessment is all about giving you the information you need to take positive preventative steps to avoid developing heart disease. Your cardiologist will make specific recommendations around reducing your modifiable risk factors, which may involve behavioural changes, dietary modifications, or medication. We are committed to shared decision-making, as we believe patients who play a meaningful role in their own care are more likely to see better health outcomes.
Depending on whether your cardiac risk is low, intermediate, or high, your cardiologist will advise you when to next attend for a routine cardiac risk assessment.
At Harbourside Cardiology, our team is dedicated to providing holistic, patient-centred care that aligns with the most recent clinical guidelines and research. We are with you every step of your health journey, providing continuity of care of all heart conditions from initial assessment through to treatment and recovery.
