A new survey commissioned by YouGov, on behalf of leading heart charity Hearts4heart, indicates more than 5 million Australians are not aware of the common comorbidities linked to heart failure, such as kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, lung disease and sleep-disordered breathing.

Heart failure is estimated to affect approximately half a million Australians, with more than 67,000 new cases diagnosed each year. A serious, life-threatening condition, heart failure is responsible for approximately 61,000 deaths annually, with 50-75% of deaths occurring within five years of diagnosis.

Heart failure patients often navigate multiple health conditions or comorbidities, 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.

The survey revealed low general awareness of the connection between heart failure and related comorbidities, with a majority of Australians (63%) unaware of the specific link between heart failure and kidney disease.

Approximately 50% of individuals with heart failure are also living with chronic kidney disease, one of the most common and dangerous comorbidities.9 According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2.5 million people are unaware they are living with signs of kidney disease.10 A Kidney Health Check – which includes a blood test, urine test and a blood pressure check – is the only way to detect kidney disease early, enabling timely treatment to slow its progression.

Chris Forbes, Chief Executive Officer of Kidney Health Australia, highlights the importance of early detection for all Australians, especially those living with heart conditions. 

“Heart failure and cardiovascular disease are major risk factors for kidney disease, yet thousands of Australians are unaware they may be living with both conditions. It is really important that all people living with heart failure get a Kidney Health Check to get in front of kidney disease.”

“Being diagnosed early is key, as early diagnosis allows for proactive treatment. New medications available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme have shown they can halt the progression of kidney disease by 15 years or more. Put simply, we can help turn off the tap by raising awareness and encouraging patients to have proactive discussions with their healthcare providers. This can make all the difference,” he said.  

Many Australians were also found to be unaware of the link between increased heart failure risk and other common comorbidities like type 2 diabetes (53%), cancer (62%), lung disease (38%) and sleep-disordered breathing (63%).

But the gaps in awareness go beyond risk factors. Alarmingly, only one in two Australians (50%) know that heart failure can often be detected through simple diagnostic tools, including a routine stethoscope check or a straightforward blood test.

Professor Andrew Sindone, Director of the Heart Failure Unit and Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Concord Hospital and Head of Department of Cardiology at Ryde Hospital, emphasises that early detection is essential to effectively manage heart failure and triage patients onto the right intervention paths.

One of the most effective diagnostic tools GPs can access to confirm or rule out heart failure is the NT-proBNP blood test. Professor Sindone was instrumental in having the NT-proBNP test added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) in November 2024, making it freely accessible to eligible Australians.

“The NT-proBNP test is simple and effective. It helps identify if a patient with common heart failure symptoms has high levels of a protein called BNP in the blood, which can indicate heart failure. Often, symptoms of heart failure can be mistaken or masked by those of other conditions, which makes the NT-proBNP test one of the most clinically accurate and efficient ways to reach a diagnosis early. 

“This test also alleviates pressure on the patient and the healthcare system by reducing the need for referrals to heart specialists or expensive tests like an echocardiogram in order to diagnose heart failure. This is especially good news for those living in remote and regional areas, where access to specialists can be limited,” said Professor Sindone. 

Tanya Hall, CEO and founder of Hearts4heart, is dedicated to raising awareness about heart failure, its associated comorbidities, and the importance of early detection through initiatives like Heart Failure Awareness Week, taking place this week (23 – 29 June 2025). 

“It’s deeply concerning that tens of thousands of Australians are unknowingly living with a life-threatening condition. I lost my dad to heart failure when he was just 59 years old. No one should ever have to experience that kind of loss. That’s why we want more Australians to be aware of early detection tools like NT-proBNP so they are empowered to have meaningful conversations with their healthcare professional.”

Ms Hall urges, “Anyone experiencing common symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, ankles or feet, struggling to sleep while laying down and sudden weight gain - especially those over 65, should speak with their GP about their risk and seek early screening as soon as possible.”

If you are concerned about yourself, a friend or loved one who may be showing symptoms of heart failure, visit www.hearts4heart.org.au to access resources and information.