Indigenous Cardiac Outreach Program (ICOP) - Biloela

ICOP

The Indigenous Cardiac Outreach Program (ICOP) supports healthy heart outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from rural and remote communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to take part in the program for early diagnosis of heart conditions and to ensure they can live active, well and independent lives.

A heart doctor (cardiologist), cardiac scientist, registered nurse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander liaison will provide a culturally appropriate and culturally safe clinic in your community to check your heart.

Step 1: Pre-screening: a check of your height and weight, pulse rate, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar level.

Step 2: Electrocardiogram (ECG): a simple test to measure the electrical pulses across your body.

Step 3: Echocardiogram (ECHO): an ultrasound that takes pictures of the muscle, tissue, chambers and blood flow to your heart

Step 4: Seeing the heart doctor: The cardiologist will talk to you about your results from the screening and discuss your family history. They will let you know if you need further tests.

Step 5: Further tests: If you need further testing in Brisbane, the ICOP team can help you with travel forms and organising Indigenous Hospital Liaison support at hospital for you and your family.

Further information / referrals

ICOP will accept all referrals from GPs and Hospitals, but please also see your local health worker to make an appointment with the ICOP team. If you can’t make it on the day please let your local health worker know and rebook for the next clinic.