Indigenous Cardiac Outreach Program (ICOP) Clinic

The Indigenous Cardiac Outreach Program (ICOP) is a specialist cardiac outreach services providing care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in rural and remote communities in Queensland.

ICOP aims to raise awareness of cardiac diseases through community engagement, education, partnerships with local health providers, training and research.

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 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker 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.