The Australian Government has heard and understood the importance of this vital check to the heart health of Australians and is funding a two-year extension of the check in the 2023-24 Budget, ensuring they remain available beyond 30 June this year.
We estimate that this means a further 250,000 Australians will be able to see their GP to learn their risk of heart disease before it’s too late.
More than 41,000 Australians signed the petition to save the checks in just five weeks. Many sent letters to their local MPs, who in turn took up the issue with the government.
Heart disease is mostly preventable but it is a silent killer. As Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler acknowledged in his announcement, the Medicare Heart Health Check is our most potent tool in compelling people to pay attention to their heart health before it’s too late.
The check is available for people aged 45 and over (30 and over for First Nations) and looks at your cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, family history, amount of exercise and what you eat, and provides you with an understanding of how likely it is you will have a heart attack or stroke in the coming years.
We extend our gratitude to the Heart Foundation’s extended family: our sector partners, donors, volunteers and supporters, many of whom worked tirelessly to advocate for this life-saving initiative.
Thank you. Your efforts have helped improve the heart health of many Australians and we are grateful for your unwavering commitment to this cause.
And finally – now that you have fought so hard for this check, we urge you to please take it up if eligible. For more information speak with your local GP or visit www.heartfoundation.org.au
David Lloyd
Chief executive
National Heart Foundation of Australia
