Dr Mike Freelander MP, the Federal Member for Macarthur, and the Federal Labor Government are working to combat Australia’s biggest killer, heart disease, by funding free Heart Health Checks for Australians to receive at their GP.

Each day, nearly 440 Australians are hospitalised with coronary heart disease, with heart disease being responsible for almost 1 in 10 deaths nationwide.

For Dr Freelander, this is a big step towards delivering better health outcomes for Macarthur residents, as prevention is crucial in ensuring residents don’t suffer from a deadly or life-altering heart attack or stroke.

Many Australians don’t know if they are at risk of heart disease, as some factors – such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol – might not be diagnosable without a medical assessment. 

Heart Health Checks are free assessments, which are available to Australians aged 30 years and older and can be accessed by booking an appointment at your GP.

The Check takes less than 30 minutes with a GP and is the nation’s best tool for diagnosis and prevention of heart disease.

This assessment of a patient’s heart health will help GP’s identify the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients who haven’t previously been diagnosed with heart disease.

This will then help support GP’s in working with their patients to make the best decision possible, whether it is lifestyle changes or by prescribing medicine, to help mitigate any identified risk of heart disease.

Quotes attributable to the Federal Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander MP:

“I’m a firm believer in preventative practice and by providing free Heart Health Checks to Australians over 30 years of age, our Government is helping ensure more Australians get the treatments and supports they need to live longer, healthier lives.  

“Every life saved, and every heart attack or stroke prevented means happier, healthier communities and less strain on our healthcare system.

“I’m proud to be part of a Federal Labor Government which is working with healthcare professionals to save Australian lives and invest in healthier outcomes for all Australians”