The crucial heart health conversation you need to have with your GP
National health report shows promising decline in heart disease deaths. File pictureA new national report has revealed a promising shift in the nation's battle against heart disease, prompting local health. . .
National health report shows promising decline in heart disease deaths. File pictureA new national report has revealed a promising shift in the nation's battle against heart disease, prompting local health experts to urge residents to take proactive control of their cardiovascular wellbeing. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingSupporter SubscriptionUnlimited access on the webBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxThe digital version ofToday'sPaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaSupporting local newsThe latestAustralia's Health 2026 report, released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), shows that while chronic illnesses and mental health conditions are increasingly impacting the community, deaths from coronary heart disease have impressively decreased by 18 per cent in the past decade. This positive trend indicates that targeted health interventions and community awareness are working, though cardiovascular disease remains one of the five leading causes of healthy life years lost across the country. As overweight and obesity overtakes smoking as the leading risk factor contributing to ill health and death in Australia, Sutherland Shire general practitioners are emphasising that preventive care is more critical than ever. Rebekah Hoffman, a shire practice owner and the NSW/ACT chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, highlights that managing heart health is a collaborative effort that should start early. She strongly recommends that anyone over the age of 45 book a dedicated appointment with their doctor to discuss preventive care and run a simple, five-year heart disease risk assessment. According to Dr Hoffman, evaluating your risk is a straightforward process that involves discussing your lifestyle, checking blood pressure, and running standard blood tests. A crucial element of this assessment is exploring family history, as having a relative who suffered from early heart disease or a sudden or unexplained death can significantly affect an individual's risk profile. The collected health metrics are run through a clinical calculator to determine a patient's precise risk percentage, allowing GPs to tailor an action plan. For many, the result might simply mean finding ways to move the body more, while those with a moderate risk may benefit from advanced screening, such as a diet test or an angiogram to look closely at the blood vessels surrounding the heart. While the AIHW report notes that rising out-of-pocket costs have caused some Australians to delay visiting their doctor, recent data shows a positive uptick in GP bulk-billing rates, which reached 82 per cent early this year. Doctors are encouraging patients not to let financial worries or online distractions stand in the way of a check-up. Dr Hoffman cautions against relying on artificial intelligence or unverified social media trends on TikTok and Instagram for medical advice-particularly regarding unproven wellness trends like unregulated peptides. Instead, residents are urged to bring any health questions directly to their GP, ensuring that their long-term heart care is guided by safe, evidence-based medicine. As it happensBreaking news alertBe the first to know when news breaks.