REDFEB month in February: Understanding Cardiovascular Health in Bondi
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. In 2025, the REDFED (Reduce, Educate, Detect, Fight, Eradicate Disease) campaign is launching to raise awareness about heart health, risk factors, and preventive measures. This initiative is crucial in promoting cardiovascular well-being, particularly for residents in Bondi, where lifestyle and dietary choices play a significant role in heart health.
At Ocean Medical – Bondi Medical Centre on Bondi Road, we are committed to educating our community about heart disease risks and preventive strategies.
Cardiovascular Disease Risks for Bondi Residents
Certain factors increase the risk of cardiovascular disease among its Bondi residents:
- Sedentary Lifestyles: Despite the beach culture, many residents have desk-bound jobs that reduce daily movement.
- Unhealthy Diets: High consumption of processed foods, takeaway meals, and excessive alcohol intake contribute to cardiovascular issues.
- Stress and Mental Health: Work and social pressures can lead to stress, which is a known risk factor for hypertension and heart disease.
- Genetic Predisposition: Family history plays a role in heart disease, increasing risks for some individuals despite a healthy lifestyle.
Protective Measures to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
To reduce the risk of heart disease, Bondi residents should consider the following steps:
- Regular Exercise: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
- Healthy Eating Habits: Adopt a diet rich in whole foods, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Smoking Cessation: Quit smoking to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other stress-reduction techniques.
- Routine Health Checks: Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels with regular GP visits.
What Does a Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Involve at age 35 to 45?
A cardiovascular risk assessment is a medical evaluation used to estimate an individual’s risk of developing heart disease or experiencing a cardiovascular event (such as a heart attack or stroke) within a specific timeframe, usually the next 5 to 10 years. This assessment helps doctors recommend preventive measures and lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of heart-related issues.
A comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment typically includes:
- Medical History Review
- Family history of heart disease
- Previous cardiovascular events
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Physical activity levels
- Dietary habits
- Physical Examination
- Blood Pressure Measurement: High blood pressure increases heart disease risk.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference: Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, is linked to cardiovascular issues.
- Blood Tests
- Cholesterol Levels (Lipid Profile): Measures LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides.
- Blood Sugar (HbA1c or Fasting Glucose Test): Helps detect diabetes or prediabetes, which can contribute to heart disease.
- C-reactive Protein (CRP): Indicates inflammation that may contribute to heart disease.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) (if necessary)
- Assesses heart rhythm and detects underlying heart conditions.
- Additional Tests for High-Risk Patients
- Coronary Calcium Score: A CT scan measuring calcium buildup in coronary arteries. Read more on this below.
- Carotid Ultrasound: Evaluates plaque buildup in the carotid arteries.
Why Is a Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Important?
- Helps detect early signs of heart disease.
- Identifies modifiable risk factors (e.g., high cholesterol, smoking, obesity).
- Provides a tailored prevention plan, including diet, exercise, and medications if necessary.
- Reduces the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular events.
Who Should Get a Cardiovascular Risk Assessment?
- Individuals over 45 years old (or over 35 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
- Anyone with a family history of heart disease.
- People with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity.
At our Bondi Medical Centre on Bondi Road, our Bondi doctors and Bondi GPs offer comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessments to help you take proactive steps toward heart health. Book an appointment today with our Bondi doctors for a thorough heart health check.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment at Age 50 and above: Coronary Calcium Scores and Their Benefits
A coronary calcium score is a non-invasive CT scan that detects calcium build-up in the coronary arteries, which can indicate early heart disease.
Benefits of Coronary Calcium Scores
- Early Detection: Identifies individuals at higher risk before symptoms develop.
- Personalized Risk Assessment: Helps tailor treatment plans based on individual heart disease risks.
- Motivation for Lifestyle Changes: Seeing a measurable score can encourage healthier habits.
Risks of Coronary Calcium Scores
- Radiation Exposure: Although minimal, there is a small amount of radiation involved.
- Not Always Necessary: For low-risk individuals, lifestyle modifications alone may be more beneficial.
- False Sense of Security: A low score does not guarantee zero risk of future heart disease.
How Bondi Residents Can Get Tested
At our Bondi Road Medical Centre, our Bondi doctors and GPs provide thorough cardiovascular risk assessments, including:
- Cholesterol and blood pressure checks
- Diabetes screening
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs) for heart function
- Coronary calcium score referrals for those at higher risk
Partnering with your Bondi doctors & GPs for Your Heart Health
Heart disease is preventable, and early intervention is key. By prioritizing regular health checks and making heart-conscious lifestyle choices, you can take control of your cardiovascular health. Visit our Bondi Medical Centre on Bondi Road for a comprehensive assessment with our experienced Bondi doctors and ensure a healthier heart for the future.
Take the first step today—book an appointment with our Bondi doctors team and join the movement to reduce heart disease through REDFED 2025.
