Australia’s success in reducing cardiovascular mortality by 75% over the past six decades is a testament to the strength of our health system. However, this achievement has created a new and pressing challenge: a growing population of Australians living with chronic heart disease who require long-term, coordinated care. Without strategic investment and policy reform, our system risks being overwhelmed. Now is the time to act—by scaling proven interventions like cardiac rehabilitation, we can reduce hospitalisations, improve outcomes, and deliver significant economic savings. The evidence is clear, and the opportunity is ours to future-proof heart health in Australia.

Why This Matters Now

While the decline in cardiovascular deaths is a public health triumph, it has shifted the burden from acute care to chronic disease management. This means more Australians are living longer with heart disease—but without the systems in place to support them. Without action, we risk reversing decades of progress.

The Missed Opportunity

Every year, 375,000 Australians miss out on cardiac rehabilitation. That’s not just a number—it’s:

• 375,000 people at higher risk of another heart attack,
• 375,000 families facing avoidable hospitalisations,
• and $14 billion in preventable healthcare costs.

What the Research Shows

Led by Professor Julie Redfern AM, our research highlights:

• The life-saving potential of cardiac rehab,
• The barriers preventing access—especially in rural, remote, and underserved communities,
• And the urgent need for scalable, sustainable models of care.

A Vision for the Future

We envision a future where:

• Every person with heart disease is automatically referred to cardiac rehab,
• Programs are flexible, culturally safe, and digitally enabled,
• And funding reflects the true value of prevention.

How You Can Help

• Support policy change to make cardiac rehab a standard part of care.
• Invest in innovation—from telehealth to community-based models.
• Champion awareness so more Australians know their options.
• Donate to support our research - a tax deductible donation will amplify the impact of our CVD research programs.

Heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death, but its impact isn’t equal. Some communities face greater challenges—and fewer resources.

Beats of Change, a film series by the World Heart Federation and BBC StoryWorks, shares powerful stories of people, families, and innovators working to change that. From wearable tech to community support, these stories show how heart health is being reimagined around the world.

Watch the series and be part of the change.