World Heart Day 2025

Top three reasons at-risk people in Australia are missing life-saving Heart Health Checks

Despite the popularity of the Medicare Heart Health Check, a new survey shines a light on why at-risk people might be missing health checks

The Heart Foundation is using World Heart Day today to call on people aged 45 and over to speak with their GP about a Medicare Heart Health Check after new data showed that people were avoiding them for three key reasons.

According to new data from the Heart Foundation’s 2025 State of the Heart survey of more than 5,000 respondents, the top three reasons people missed or delayed recent GP appointments for heart health were:

1. Cost – 42%
2. It wasn’t a priority because I was feeling well 36%
3. Too busy – 29%

Heart Foundation CEO and World Heart Federation Vice-President elect, David Lloyd, said all three reasons were common reasons why appointments were missed or delayed, but the good news was in most cases heart health checks were a quick process and often came at no cost.

“As Australia approaches a milestone 1 million Medicare Heart Health Checks since their introduction in 2019, the Heart Foundation is working to ensure that all people aged 45 and over (or 30 and over if First Nations) continue to access this gold-standard, diagnostic Check,” Mr Lloyd said.

Reason #1: Cost

Mr Lloyd said: “In terms of cost, the Check is subsidised by Medicare and is free if your GP clinic bulk-bills the item or available for an out of pocket expense depending on your clinic. When you book your appointment, make sure to ask about the cost. A Check is an investment in your heart health which could ultimately save your life and pay off in the long run.”

Reason #2: People skipping the check because they feel well

“In terms of people feeling well, this is sadly an all-too-common reason,” Mr Lloyd said.

“Yet we know that heart disease is a ‘silent killer’ because the first symptom or sign is often a heart attack. It is for this reason that we strongly remind people who are aged 45 and over to speak with their GP about a Medicare Heart Health Check, even if they feel well.

"In fact, two of the leading risk factors for heart disease – high blood pressure and cholesterol – are virtually symptom free!”

Reason #3: People feel they are too busy

“We know everyday life can get in the way of prioritising our health. It can be tempting to put off the heart health check, but it's good to know most checks take around 20 minutes of your time,” Mr Lloyd said.

“The only way to effectively prevent heart disease is to detect it early, so we would encourage all eligible people in Australia to book a check in and get it done.”

About World Heart Day

World Heart Day is a global day of action facilitated by the World Heart Federation. This year marks the 25th World Heart Day.

One in five people will die early from cardiovascular disease (CVD), which claims more lives than cancer and chronic respiratory diseases combined. Yet, up to 80% of heart disease and stroke cases are preventable.

That’s why, every 29 September, heart health organisations globally, including the Heart Foundation, celebrate World Heart Day to raise awareness of CVD and the importance of taking care of your heart. From individuals, families and schools to community groups and governments, we work together to make equitable heart health a priority and drive change across the globe.

Learn more: About World Heart Day | World Heart Federation

About Heart Health Checks

• 2.5 million Australians have a high chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years. Many are unaware of this risk.
• A 20-minute Heart Health Check with a GP will help people understand their risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years.
• During the check, a person’s GP and/or nurse can support them to make positive changes to lower this risk.