Parliamentarians join hearts4heart to unleash a vital resource for conquering heart failure

Heart failure, a pressing health issue that affects over 500,000 Australians, has garnered significant attention from the Co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Heart and Stroke Foundations, Maria Vamvakinou MP and Senator Wendy Askew. Recognising the urgency of addressing this critical issue, hearts4heart took centre stage at Parliament House earlier this week to unveil a vital resource.

The guide, Understanding Heart Failure: A Practical Guide for all Australians, was developed in collaboration with patients, clinicians, and the Parliamentary Friends of Heart and Stroke Foundations. It aims to provide valuable insights and comprehensive information for individuals at risk of heart failure, as well as those already living with the condition.

Ms Vamvakinou emphasised the impact of heart failure on families and communities, underscoring the need for attention and funding to ensure the best possible outcomes for those affected. She commended the passion and dedication of Tanya Hall, CEO of hearts4heart, highlighting her unwavering pursuit of addressing this crucial issue.

Senator Askew expressed her delight in being involved in the launch of such a vital resource. She acknowledged its immense value in tackling heart failure, which not only affects individuals and their families but also places strain on the healthcare system.

“This fantastic guide is a collaborative effort that will serve as a comprehensive resource for individuals living with heart failure, and those who care about them,” commented Senator Askew.

Ms Hall spoke passionately about the guide’s significance in positively impacting the lives of individuals living with heart failure and their loved ones. Drawing from her personal experience with heart disease and the loss of her father to heart failure, Tanya stressed the need for awareness, heart health checks, early diagnosis, and timely access to treatment to prevent unnecessary deaths. The guide combines the expertise of healthcare professionals, insights from patients, and the latest guidelines to provide a holistic understanding of heart failure and equip patients to actively participate in their treatment journey.

“We believe that knowledge is power, and through this guide, we aim to empower individuals with the information that they need to manage their heart failure effectively,” said Ms Hall.

Sharing her own journey with heart failure, Katrina Tenne, a businesswoman and mother-of-two, stressed the importance of early detection and a healthy lifestyle. She encouraged those with a family history of heart disease or individuals experiencing symptoms to seek testing and use the guide as a trusted resource. Katrina’s personal story highlighted the invaluable impact the guide could have on patients and caregivers, empowering them to manage the condition effectively.

Cardiologist Dr Warrick Bishop shed light on the often misunderstood and misdiagnosed nature of heart failure. Early intervention, including early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and necessary lifestyle changes, can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalisation and improve the quality of life for individuals with heart failure. Recognising symptoms and raising awareness are key to timely diagnosis and intervention. Dr Bishop highlighted the urgency of addressing heart failure, as it claims 150 lives daily in Australia.

As hearts4heart’s CEO, Ms Hall, concluded the event, she expressed her gratitude to everyone present for their unwavering dedication to this important cause. She urged everyone to share the guide with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to maximise its impact and improve outcomes for individuals living with heart failure. With the support of individuals, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, hearts4heart believes that they can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by heart failure.

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