Health for Every Heart
A generational vision for heart health in Australia 2025-2050
Heart disease can affect anyone, but it does not affect everyone equally.
People at greatest risk of heart disease are often those who do not have access to the environments, utilities, services, and supports that enable heart health.2
We will address the social, cultural, environmental, and commercial determinants of health.
Heart disease coexists with social and economic disadvantages, physical dislocation from services, and educational, language, and cultural disparities.8,9 Only by responding to the diverse needs and disparities of all people across Australia will we be able to deliver the range of programs, services, and activities that can help make heart health a reality for everybody.
- The burden of heart disease is highest for people living in rural and remote areas and those experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.2
- Preventable heart disease is the leading cause of death in First Nations peoples, for whom disease starts earlier and progresses faster than in the rest of the Australian population.6
- Women often experience heart disease differently, for example, experiencing different symptoms, delayed diagnosis, different levels of care, and different levels of research engagement.10
Actions
1.1 Improve heart health and wellbeing for priority populations
Improve heart health and life expectancy for populations experiencing disparities, including people in rural and remote areas, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, women, First Nations communities, and underserved populations including those experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
1.2 Address the disparities in heart health for First Nations Peoples
In collaboration with First Nations leadership, implement community-led programs supporting environmental and technological advancements to improve heart health for all First Nations Peoples. Support collective efforts to end acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
1.3 Advocate for policies to address social, environmental, cultural, and commercial determinants of heart health
Advocate for government policies and regulations that address social, cultural, environmental, and commercial determinants of heart health.
1.4 Ensure consumers, communities, and people with lived experience continuously inform our work
Engage consumers, communities, and those with lived experience to shape our programs, policies, and priorities through meaningful co-design approaches.
1.5 Ensure equitable access to information and resources
Ensure equitable access to high-quality, culturally appropriate, evidence-based information, resources, education, and supports.
2: Create environments and systems that enable healthy behaviours