Cardiac risk, cholesterol and blood pressure
High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and family history all add to the risk of heart disease. A risk assessment brings these together, and sometimes adds a coronary calcium score, to decide how much treatment is worthwhile for you.
1What you might notice
- Usually no symptoms
- A strong family history of early heart disease
- High cholesterol or blood pressure found on routine checks
2Tests that help
- Blood tests
Cholesterol, sugar and sometimes lipoprotein(a).
- Coronary calcium score
A quick CT scan that measures calcified plaque and helps refine risk.
- Blood pressure monitoring
Home or 24-hour readings give a truer picture.
3Treatment options
- Lifestyle
Practical, realistic changes to exercise, diet, weight and smoking.
- Medicines
Cholesterol and blood-pressure tablets when the overall risk justifies them.
Seeing Dr Ramzy about this
Ask your GP for a referral to Dr John Ramzy, then request an appointment at Heidelberg, Knox or by telehealth. All new referrals are offered an appointment within two weeks, usually sooner.