This week is Heart Failure Awareness Week (27 June – 3 July) and peak body hearts4heart, Parliamentary Friends of Heart and Stroke, cardiologists and heart failure patients and carers across the country are urging Australians to be smart about their hearts and speak with their GP about heart failure if they're over 65 or experiencing symptoms especially those in rural areas with less access to professionals.  

Heart failure is on the rise and is now affecting 1 in 50 Australians. The common condition claims 8 Australian lives daily (61,000 annually). 

With Australians spending more than 1,000,000 days in hospital annually due to heart failure, it is estimated to be costing the health system an estimated $3.1 billion per year.  

Hearts4heart brings together patients and healthcare professionals to inform people on Heart information with a shared goal that patients should have timely access to treatment no matter where they are, when they need it, particularly in rural Australia.  

Alarmingly, 30% of patients admitted to hospital with heart failure are readmitted within 60-90 days and around 1-in-3 of those admitted will die within one year of being diagnosed. 

“Delayed diagnosis and upward trends in Australian heart failure hospital admissions is a serious cause of concern,” said the Director of the Cardiology Research Unit at Barwon Hospital, A/Prof John Amerena.  

It’s important to note that Heart failure doesn’t mean that your heart has stopped, but it is ‘failing’ to keep up with your body’s demands. 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.  

When left untreated, heart failure progressively worsens, but with early diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes, a person with heart failure can reduce their risk of hospitalisation and improve their quality of life.  

“Unfortunately, dangerously low levels of awareness about heart failure are leaving Australians vulnerable to this long-term condition,” said hearts4heart CEO Tanya Hall, who lost her father to heart failure when he was just 59.  

“Heart Failure Awareness Week has been developed to raise awareness about the prevalence of heart failure, and educate people about symptoms, especially among those aged 65 and older, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Understanding heart failure symptoms is the key to early diagnosis and ensuring the best health outcomes for patients.”  

“The campaign also creates an opportunity to encourage critical conversations about the importance of reform in how heart failure diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management are addressed in Australia,” Ms. Hall said.  

Common heart failure symptoms can often be dismissed as other health issues or even old age. Recognising symptoms is key to early diagnosis and the best health outcomes.  

Symptoms can include any of the following and should be discussed with your GP:  

• Shortness of breath during minimal exercise or exertion  
• Needing to use extra pillows when lying down to breathe easier  
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations  
• Swelling of legs, feet, or stomach  
• Coughing/wheezing 
• Weight gain over a short period of time (e.g., >2kg over 2 days) 
• Extreme tiredness, low energy, or no energy • Loss of appetite  

Common heart failure symptoms can often be dismissed as other health issues or even old age, pinpointing symptoms is key for the best health outcomes.  

With an early diagnosis, treatment and focus on healthy heart life changes, a person can reduce visits to hospital and live a longer and fuller life. 

Parliamentary Friends of Heart and Stroke Chairperson Maria Vamvakinou MP says, “Together, we can help patients affected by heart failure to feel better and live longer, healthier lives, but it requires a commitment from all Australians. Knowing the symptoms and understanding that each case of heart failure is unique can help in the coordination of an effective care plan for patients and caregivers.”  

So, give your heart a break and check in with your GP if you have any concerns – we only have one heart, we need to take care of it.  

To find out more about heart failure and to download the Heart Failure Symptom Tracker, visit hearts4heart.org.au.