Even though heart failure is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths every year, millions of Australians remain unaware of the easy checks that could save lives. But did you know that a simple blood test could help protect you or your loved ones from one of Australia’s most dangerous and overlooked health threats?
Let’s break down the facts, bust some myths, and empower you to take charge of your health—because when it comes to heart failure and its sneaky sidekicks, what you don’t know really can hurt you.
Heart failure isn’t just a dramatic event that happens suddenly. It’s a chronic, progressive condition that affects around half a million Australians, with more than 67,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
Even more sobering: heart failure is responsible for about 61,000 deaths annually, and up to three-quarters of those diagnosed won’t make it past five years. That’s a higher five-year mortality rate than many cancers!
But here’s the kicker—heart failure rarely travels alone. It often brings along a posse of other health problems, known as comorbidities.
These include kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, iron deficiency, and even mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
About half of all people with heart failure are also living with chronic kidney disease, and many don’t even know it.
A recent YouGov survey commissioned by the heart health charity Hearts4heart found that more than five million Australians aren’t aware of the common conditions linked to heart failure.
Even more concerning, 63 per cent of us don’t know about the specific connection between heart failure and kidney disease—a dangerous oversight, given how closely these two conditions are linked.
Kidney disease itself is a massive problem, affecting about 2.7 million people nationwide. But because it’s often symptomless in the early stages, a staggering 2.5 million Australians are living with signs of kidney disease without realising it.
The only way to catch it early is to have a simple Kidney Health Check, which includes a blood test, urine test, and blood pressure check.
Here’s where things get interesting. Only half of Australians know that heart failure can be detected with a straightforward blood test called NT-proBNP.
This test measures the level of a protein in your blood that rises when your heart is under stress.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling in your legs or ankles, trouble sleeping while lying down, or sudden weight gain, this test could be the key to an early diagnosis.
Professor Andrew Sindone, a leading heart specialist, added the NT-proBNP test to the Medicare Benefits Schedule in late 2024.
That means it’s now freely available to eligible Australians—no need for expensive specialist appointments or long waits for an echocardiogram.
This is excellent news for those living in rural or regional areas, where access to heart specialists can be limited.
Catching heart failure and kidney disease early can make a world of difference. New medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme can slow the progression of kidney disease by 15 years or more.
Kidney Health Australia’s chief executive officer (CEO), Chris Forbes, said, ‘Being diagnosed early is key, as early diagnosis allows for proactive treatment.’
‘We can help turn off the tap by raising awareness and encouraging patients to proactively discuss with their healthcare providers. This can make all the difference.’
Tanya Hall, CEO and founder of Hearts4heart, knows firsthand how devastating heart failure can be. She lost her dad to the condition when he was just 59.
Her message is clear: ‘Anyone experiencing common symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, ankles or feet, struggling to sleep while lying 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.’
Have you or someone you know had a heart or kidney health scare? Did a simple test make a difference? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, or questions in the comments below. Your experience could help others take that all-important first step towards better health.
Also read: Is this simple new test the key to a faster, easier coeliac diagnosis?
