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 estimated to affect approximately half a million Australians, with over 67,000 Australians diagnosed each year.1,2 These numbers are likely to increase with the growing and ageing population.1
Heart failure is the number one cause of hospitalisations for those over the age of 65, and is estimated to cost the Australian health system $3.1 billion each year.2 Lack of awareness of the health conditions that can increase the risk of heart failure is putting a toll on Australia’s health at a personal and a national level.
Heart failure patients often suffer from multiple comorbidities (cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular), such as an irregular heart rate or rhythm, high blood pressure, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, iron deficiency, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.3,4,5
Unfortunately, dangerously low levels of awareness about heart failure are leaving Australians vulnerable to this long-term condition.
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.6 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.
Heart Failure Awareness Week is a Hearts4heart initiative designed to:
The campaign creates an opportunity to encourage crucial conversations about the importance of reform in how heart failure diagnosis, treatment and long-term management are addressed in Australia.
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 hypertension, which your GP can monitor. Additionally, the risk of heart failure rises with advancing age.
Other factors, such as obesity, diabetes, alcohol abuse, heart arrhythmias, and severe iron deficiency, can also lead to heart failure if not properly managed, so it’s essential to treat any underlying medical conditions you may have.
If you’re concerned you may be at risk of heart failure, speak with your GP about getting your heart checked.
In its earliest stages, heart failure may have no symptoms. So, getting a regular heart check is important, especially for people with family members who have a heart condition and those over the age of 65.
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 for a heart check without delay!
You’ve only got one heart. Don’t fail it.
Hearts4heart has developed a range of resources for all Australians to read and share with their families and friends:
If you are a healthcare professional, we have developed resources to guide effective patient care:
References
