Heart health / Patient information sheet
Know your numbers
The numbers that tell your heart's story
A few key numbers help you and your doctor understand your risk of heart disease and decide what, if anything, to do about it.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms but is a major cause of heart attack and stroke. Have it checked regularly, and follow your doctor's advice if it is raised.
Cholesterol (including LDL)
Cholesterol travels in your blood on particles. LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) can build up in artery walls. Lower LDL generally means lower risk. Your doctor will set a target based on your overall risk — targets are lower for people who already have heart disease or diabetes.
Your heart-disease risk score
The Australian cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk calculator estimates your chance of a heart attack or stroke over the next 5 years, based on factors like age, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and diabetes:
| 5-year risk | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 5% | Low risk |
| 5% to under 10% | Intermediate risk |
| 10% or higher | High risk |
Your category guides how intensively risk factors are managed. Your GP can calculate this with you.
Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score
A CAC score (Agatston score) uses a low-dose CT scan to measure calcified plaque in the heart's arteries:
| Score | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| 0 | Very low — no detectable calcified plaque |
| 1–99 | Mild |
| 100–399 | Moderate |
| 400 or more | High |
A CAC scan is mainly useful for people at low-to-intermediate or intermediate risk (with extra risk factors) where the result would change management. It is not for people with symptoms or known heart disease, who need different tests. It is generally not Medicare-rebated for prevention, so there is usually an out-of-pocket cost. Discuss whether it is right for you with your doctor.
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Reviewed by: [clinical adviser name & date to be added before final publication]. Sources: Australian CVD risk guidelines (2023), AIHW and Heart Foundation — to be cited in full on publication.