Hearts4heart Highlights Connected Health Conditions
Australians are being urged by heart charity Hearts4heart to expand their understanding of heart failure and its connections to other health conditions. This call to action comes as part of Heart Failure Awareness Week, running from 22nd to 28th June 2026.
Heart failure affects about 500,000 Australians, with 67,000 new diagnoses and 158,000 hospital admissions each year. Many of those affected are also managing related conditions such as kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and mental health issues. Nearly half of individuals with heart failure also have chronic kidney disease, which can lead to worse outcomes and increased hospital visits.
Chris Forbes, CEO of Kidney Health Australia, emphasised the importance of understanding the heart-kidney connection, noting, “Kidney disease can be silent for a long time, and many people may not know they are living with it until it has progressed. For people with heart failure, understanding kidney health is an important part of the overall picture.”
The Cost and Complexity of Care
Managing heart failure can be financially challenging, with Hearts4heart estimating costs reaching up to $18,000 annually, or $29,000 for those with chronic kidney disease. This highlights the need for early detection and coordinated care to mitigate costs and improve outcomes.
Professor Andrew Sindone, Director of the Heart Failure Unit at Concord Hospital, stressed the need for early detection, stating, “Heart failure can be difficult to recognise as symptoms can develop gradually, or be mistaken for other conditions.”
Symptoms of heart failure include breathlessness, fatigue, swelling in the legs or abdomen, sudden weight gain, and difficulty sleeping when lying down. These can often be mistaken for other health issues, making early recognition critical. Routine checks and tests can help healthcare professionals identify risks earlier.
For people living with connected conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, it is especially important to speak with a GP or healthcare professional about what checks may be appropriate. Early intervention can significantly improve health outcomes.
For more information on heart health and resources available, individuals are encouraged to visit Hearts4heart’s website at www.hearts4heart.org.au.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:47 am
