Australia is falling dangerously behind in its response to heart valve disease, leaving hundreds of thousands of lives at risk. As a result, a leading heart charity launches the nation’s first ‘SLOW Symptoms’ awareness campaign during Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week (16–22 February 2026) to help improve awareness.
In 2021, an estimated 600,000 Australians were living with diagnosed heart valve disease, with a further 254,000 people unaware they had the condition, meaning an estimated 850,000 Australians may already be affected.1,2
Experts warn heart valve disease is the next cardiac epidemic, driven by an ageing population and poor awareness. Global projections suggest the number of people living with heart valve disease will double by 2040 and triple by 2060. This could mean up to 1.7 million Australians living with heart valve disease by 2040 if urgent action is not taken.2-4
Despite its growing prevalence, awareness of heart valve disease remains low, with symptoms often mistaken for ageing, leading to delayed diagnosis, missed treatment and preventable complications such as heart failure, stroke, arrhythmia and premature death.3,5
This week, leading heart charity Hearts4heart is launching the SLOW Symptoms campaign in Australia, giving Australians a simple, memorable way to recognise red-flag symptoms of heart valve disease and seek early medical advice.
SLOW stands for:
- Shortness of breath
- Light headedness on exertion
- Feeling Older than your years
- Weary or unusually fatigued
For more information about Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week, the SLOW Symptoms campaign or free screening events, visit www.hearts4heart.org.au.
Media Release: Hearts4heart
