Healthy Heart Pilot Program for Members

How Healthy Is Your Heart?

Heart disease accounts for an average of 118 deaths per day in Australia, but did you know that heart attacks and strokes can be prevented, especially if risk factors are detected and managed early?

In support of helping deliver our vision of making Tasmania the Healthiest Island on the Planet, St.LukesHealth have partnered with Dr Warrick Bishop and his team at the Healthy Heart Network to combat heart disease in Tasmania.

We have invited 100 of our St.LukesHealth members to participate in a pilot study program designed to help detect risk factors for heart disease before a problem occurs and putting in place preventative measures to reduce that risk.

Tune in to ABC Breakfast with Ryk Goddard and discover how St.LukesHealth's partnership with Warrick Bishop's Healthy Heart Pilot Program is revolutionizing the way we approach heart health.

What is involved in the pilot program?
Our participants will complete a virtual heart assessment where they will receive a risk score of either Low, Intermediate, or High based off the results of their assessment. Participants with a risk score of Intermediate or High will be given a recommendation to undertake a CT acquired Cardiac Calcium score (also called a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score CT scan) at their local radiology clinic if they choose to partake in this part of the process. Our participants will also be encouraged to partake in a follow up survey every three months for 12 months.

De-identified data will be provided between St.LukesHealth and the Healthy Heart Network to assess how the results of the heart assessment and Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score CT scan will alter management or not of the risk factors for heart disease.

Participation in this feedback process is entirely voluntary and information will not be shared between St.LukesHealth and the Healthy Heart Network without members consent.

What is a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score CT scan?
The Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score CT scan is a non-invasive computed tomography (CT) scan of the heart that looks for calcium containing plaque deposits within the coronary arteries. Calcified plaque can build up in your arteries which restricts blood flow to the heart and increases your risk of heart attack. A Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score CT scan can help to identify your risk of cardiac disease before showing any signs and symptoms.
  
How much will the pilot program cost our participating members?
The best news is that the pilot program will be delivered at no cost to our participating members. St.LukesHealth will cover the full cost of the program including a Coronary Artery Calcium “CAC score” CT scan if participants choose to undertake this part of the process.
 
We are excited to be launching our health initiative together with Dr Warrick Bishop and the Healthy Heart Network to provide Tasmanians with better health outcomes and becoming the healthiest island on the planet.

Testimonial Quotes from program participants

“The CT Scan with Dr Warrick Bishop was fantastic. I only have the highest praise for Dr Bishop and his staff, Calvary ct scan unit and St.LukesHealth for allowing me to participate in this incredibly valuable medical check. I believe Dr Bishop to be one of the most caring and inspiring medical professionals that you can find. So rare in this day and age!! His personal reading and approach were amazing!”

“The experience was very efficient, from making a booking and having the scan. The staff were all friendly and courteous. I received regular email updates following the booking/scan and copies of the report on my heart health and of the scans taken. Very interesting!”

“My results were excellent, which provided me with so much relief as there is a strong history of heart attacks in my family.”