Take time out of your busy day and make a Donation to an amazing cause. Shed some light on Heart Awareness
Take time out of your busy day and make a Donation to an amazing cause. Shed some light on Heart Awareness
Heart failure is a growing problem with at least half a million Australians living with it at any given time and more than 67,000 new cases diagnosed each year.1 A serious, life-threatening condition, heart failure is responsible for approximately 61,000 deaths annually. These numbers are likely to increase with the growing and ageing population.1,2
Unfortunately, dangerously low levels of awareness about heart failure, the comorbidities associated with it, and the early detection screening tests available, leave Australians vulnerable to this long-term condition.
Heart Failure Awareness Week is a Hearts4heart initiative designed to:
Despite the name, heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped or failed, it means that the heart is ‘failing’ to keep up with the body’s demands.2 The heart is unable to pump enough blood through the body to meet its nutritional needs, either because the heart is unable to fill with enough blood, or its pumping action isn’t strong enough, or both.
But with early diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes, a person with heart failure can reduce their risk of hospitalisation, feel better, and live a longer and healthier life.
There are several reasons your heart may struggle to meet your body’s needs. Common causes of heart failure include coronary heart disease, heart valve disease and coexisting conditions.4
Heart failure is often associated with other health issues, called comorbidities, these can include kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, lung disease, obesity and hypertension, which your GP can monitor. These can make managing heart failure more complex. Additionally, the risk of heart failure rises with advancing age.
Recent research commissioned by Hearts4Heart found that less than 50% of Australians know about the link between heart failure and conditions such as kidney disease.5,6 Understanding them is crucial for early action and better treatment.
Kidney disease affects around 2.7 million people across the country.7 Despite it being one of the most common and dangerous comorbidities in people with heart failure, awareness remains low.
Alarmingly, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that 2.5 million people may be unaware they are already showing signs of kidney disease.7
Early detection is crucial. A Kidney Health Check—which includes a simple blood test, urine test, and blood pressure check—is the only way to identify kidney disease in its early stages. This allows for timely medical intervention to help slow its progression and protect overall health.8
People living with heart failure or those who have experienced a heart attack are encouraged to speak to their doctor about having a Kidney Health Check every one to two years.8
Kidney disease symptoms are often rare, and people can lose up to 90 per cent of kidney function without noticing any obvious signs.8,9 Ask your doctor about a Kidney Health Check. It’s a simple step that could make all the difference.
To see if you are living with any of the risk factors, visit kidney.org.au/kidneyrisktest.
However, any of the following changes in your body could be a sign of heart failure:
If you notice any of the above, book an appointment with your GP without delay. Early detection is crucial as it allows for timely intervention, which can improve patient outcomes.
A simple stethoscope check can reveal early signs of heart failure such as an unusual heartbeat, a murmur, or crackling sounds in the lungs.
GPs also have access to a blood test called the NT-proBNP test, which checks for a protein released by the heart when it is under strain. This test is now covered by Medicare, making it more affordable for patients. It also improves accessibility, particularly for individuals in rural and regional areas where healthcare services may be limited. This diagnostic test can be performed by GPs once a year, per patient.
Hearts4heart has developed a range of resources for all Australians to read and share with their families and friends:
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