- Heart valve disease (HVD) affects more than half a million Australians, yet public awareness remains low. In fact, an estimated 250,000 Australians are unaware that they are living with the condition and this number is expected to grow significantly.
- If left untreated, HVD can damage the heart’s valves, leading to heart failure, stroke, and arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat).
- Described by some researchers as 'the next cardiac epidemic', heart valve disease is on the rise due to an ageing population and under-diagnosis.
- Early detection and timely treatment can increase longevity and improve quality of life for those living with HVD, making education and awareness of the disease vitally important.
Monday, 12 February 2024, Sydney, Australia
In the lead up to Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week (February 26 – March 3), peak body hearts4heart, clinicians and people living with heart valve disease are urging Australians to have a heart-to-heart about their heart health with their GP, and for those over 65 or experiencing symptoms, to get their heart checked.
Hearts4heart is proud to support free heart screening events during Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week at select hospitals in New South Wales and Victoria.
The hospitals participating are:
1. Victoria
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Hospital Name |
Location |
Date and Time |
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Melbourne Cardiac Services
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Suite 7, 214 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, VIC
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Tuesday 27th February
|
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North East Family Medicine Practice
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Suite 1/90-100 Ovens Street, Wangaratta, VIC
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Friday 1st March
|
2. New South Wales
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Hospital Name |
Location |
Date and Time |
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St Vincent's Private Hospital *
|
406 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW
|
Wednesday 28th February
|
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* On Tuesday 27th February, 11am - 12:30pm AEDT, hearts4heart founder and CEO, Tanya Hall and Global Heart Hub CEO, Neil Johnson will be in attendance with a case study, clinician and local MP to speak to media about the importance of a heart check.
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Bankstown Sports Club
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8 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown, NSW
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Every day from Monday 26th February to Friday 1st March
|
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The Cardiac Centre, Bowral
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3/28 Wingecarribee Street, Bowral, NSW
|
Thursday 7th March (10am - 4pm AEDT) |
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-ENDS-
Arranging interviews
We can line up interviews with a hearts4heart spokesperson, medical expert, or local case study living with the disease.
Media assets
We can assist you with a range of resources to help you build your story including content for TV, radio and online.
About Hearts4heart
Supported by Australian and New Zealand cardiologists, hearts4heart is a leading health promotion charity supporting, educating, and advocating for people living with heart disease. For more information visit hearts4heart.org.au
Contact details:
Kerry Jung – kerry@palin.com.au 0435 753 618
Annabel Pender - annabel@palin.com.au 0420 797 363