Free heart checks beat on

Free Heart Health Checks will remain available to Australians aged 30 and over for another three years, after funding for the program was extended in this year’s federal budget.

The 20-minute assessment, conducted by a GP, helps detect early signs of heart disease – the nation’s leading cause of death – by identifying risk factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol that often go unnoticed without testing.

During the assessment, a GP will check their patient’s blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and ask key questions about nutrition, exercise and medical history to predict the patient’s risk of heart attack or stroke in the next five years.

GPs can then work with their patients to make lifestyle changes or prescribe medicines to help manage any risks identified.

Health Minister Mark Butler said about 2.5 million Australians have a high chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke in the next five years, but many don’t know it.

“Heart disease is Australia’s biggest killer – one Australian has a heart attack or stroke every four minutes,” he said.

“That’s why the Albanese government has secured the funding for this vital health check.”

Heart disease is responsible for almost one in 10 deaths, and 6 per cent of the country’s total disease burden, with more than 430 Australians hospitalised with coronary heart disease daily.

Almost 900,000 people have had a Heart Health Check – described by the federal government as “the nation’s best tool for diagnosis and prevention of heart disease” – since the program’s introduction in 2019, of which about a quarter were conducted through 2024.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker celebrated the funding extension for the program.

“Heart disease remains one of the most serious health challenges we face – but with early detection, we can change the story for thousands of families,” she said.

“I’m proud that the Albanese Government is funding free Heart Health Checks at local GPs for another three years. This is a simple but powerful step that could prevent serious illness and save lives across our community.”

According to the Heart Foundation, an increased uptake of the Heart Health Checks over the next five years could prevent almost 80,000 cardiovascular disease-related events, such as heart attack, stroke and death.