A doctor consults with an elderly male patient in a modern medical office, discussing heart health as visible on dual computer monitors displaying medical charts.

What is a heart risk check?

 

This is the best way to find out your estimated risk of having a heart attack or stroke. You’ll also find out how to improve your heart health.

 

Book a heart risk check with your doctor or nurse. 

 

 

Find out more

Age for first heart risk check

 

The age you should start having heart risk checks depends on your ethnicity and other risk factors, such as personal and family health history and if you smoke.

 

After your first heart risk check, your doctor or nurse will tell you how often you need one.

 

Learn more

Heart risk check age guidelines table for men and women, including recommendations for people with diabetes, severe mental illness, Māori, Pacific or South Asian descent, known risk factors, and no known risk factors.

How to lower your risk

 

Small steps can lead to big gains in heart health.

 

You and your whānau can reduce your risk of heart disease by making a few simple changes each day. Whether it’s extra veggies in your kai or a walk together, your heart will love you for it.

 

Find out how

A joint family eating a healthy meal together

Inspirational stories

Whānau and karakia helped me

With 10 tamariki and 15 mokopuna, whānau means everything to Mereana. So when she needed life-saving heart surgery, she wasn’t just fighting for herself. She was fighting for them all. “It wasn’t about me. I needed to be strong for them.”

 

Read Mereana's story

Helping hearts in the community

Peneueta was in his 30s when he discovered he has a heart condition needing surgery. It was a difficult journey but a positive outcome – he became a personal trainer and opened a gym. Now he’s helping the hearts of his whānau and his whole community.

 

Read Peneueta's story

Small steps to a big change

Fifteen years ago, Sunny had never put on running shoes. But after a heart attack and bypass surgery, he knew things had to change. He started walking and that soon led to running. Now, he’s competed in numerous events and even in the World Master’s Games.

 

Read Sunny's story

My Heart Check

 

Our online heart health check tells you when to see your doctor or nurse for your first heart risk check. It also estimates your risk of heart attack and stroke – although it’s still important to get a heart risk check with your doctor or nurse.

 

 

Try My Heart Check