February is Healthy Heart Month

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia accounting for 34% of all deaths in 2008.  It affects 1 in 5 Australians.

Our experienced doctors recognise the importance of individual cardiovascular risk assessment on all adults aged over 45 and younger in high risk groups.

Our GPs take detailed histories which include family history of coronary heart disease and familial hypercholesterolemia and past history of diseases including coronary heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome and smoking status.

We advise patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle including:

• Not smoking
• Regular exercise
• Dietary modifications; and
• Weight control

We work closely with our practice team and provide referrals to Cardiologists, Dietitians and Exercise Physiologists.  We also refer high risk patients for exercise cardiac testing.