New cardiovascular HealthPathways now live

Two updated HealthPathways are now available to support general practitioners across Mid North Coast and Northern NSW in delivering safe, evidence-based care for patients with suspected or confirmed cardiovascular disease.

The Acute Chest Pain and Acute Coronary Syndrome HealthPathway has been revised in response to updated national guidelines and developed in consultation with emergency department consultants and cardiologists across the region.

It provides practical guidance to help GPs assess and manage chest pain presentations in the community while ensuring appropriate escalation of care.

The key message is clear
If you are considering an acute coronary syndrome as a possible cause for a patient’s chest pain, refer to the emergency department. Do not attempt to risk stratify or perform troponin testing in the community.

The newly developed Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) HealthPathway provides GPs with a comprehensive framework for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with established IHD.

Developed in partnership with local cardiologists, it reflects a multidisciplinary, patient-centred approach to long-term care.

Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with IHD, this pathway aims to support general practice in reducing further events and improving patient outcomes through:

• Evidence-based pharmacological management
• Lifestyle and behavioural interventions
• Risk factor optimisation
• Coordination of care with cardiology, cardiac rehab, and allied health services

Together, these pathways empower GPs to make informed, timely decisions and to work collaboratively across the health system to improve cardiovascular outcomes for our communities.