Taking Care of Your Heart: What Every Adult Should Know

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia—but it doesn’t have to be.

The good news? Most cardiovascular issues are preventable, especially when caught early through regular health checks, lifestyle adjustments, and the right clinical guidance. At Paddington Doctors, we believe your heart deserves the same proactive care as any other part of your body.

Why Heart Health Matters

The heart works 24/7—pumping blood, supplying oxygen, fuelling every function in your body. When it's under pressure from poor habits, genetics, or undiagnosed issues, it can quietly begin to falter.

Often, heart disease shows no symptoms until it becomes critical. That’s why routine heart assessments are essential, particularly for adults over 45.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Understanding your risk is the first step in protecting your heart. The major contributors to cardiovascular disease include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes or pre-diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• Obesity or being overweight
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor diet (high in saturated fat, sugar, salt)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress

Even one or two of these risk factors can significantly increase your chances of developing heart disease. Early screening makes all the difference.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Many heart conditions are silent until serious—but some warning signs to watch for include:

• Chest discomfort or pressure
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath, especially during mild exertion
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting
• Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder or arm (especially on the left)
• Swelling in the legs or ankles

If you’ve experienced any of these—even occasionally—it’s worth having your heart assessed.

Lifestyle Tips for a Healthier Heart

You can significantly reduce your risk with simple, sustainable lifestyle changes:

1. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods

• Emphasise vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes
• Include healthy fats: olive oil, nuts, avocado, fish
• Choose lean proteins: chicken, tofu, seafood
• Minimise salt, processed meats, and added sugars
• Focus on high anti-oxidant foods

2. Stay Active

• Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly
• Walking, cycling, and strength training are all excellent choices
• Move regularly throughout the day to reduce sedentary time

3. Quit Smoking

There’s no safe level. Ask our team about supportive quitting programs.

4. Manage Alcohol

• No more than 10 standard drinks per week
• Have several alcohol-free days weekly

5. Control Stress

• Prioritise sleep, connection, mindfulness
• Speak to your GP or a psychologist if you’re feeling overwhelmed

‍

Your heart has supported you through everything—make sure it’s ready for what’s next.

Whether you're just being proactive or have specific concerns, a Heart Health Assessment is a smart step toward prevention and peace of mind.

‍

👉 Book Your Heart Health Assessment Now online
Or call us at (02) 9072 1660 to speak with our team directly

‍

‍

‍