Heart disease kills an Australian woman nearly every hour—yet many ignore the signs

Heart disease remains one of the biggest killers of Australian women, claiming a life almost every hour. Despite its prevalence, many remain unaware of the risks—often mistaking symptoms or dismissing them entirely. Health experts warn that complacency is costing lives, with more women dying from heart disease than breast cancer each year. The Heart Foundation has highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness, pointing out that symptoms in women can differ from those in men. While chest pain is common, women may also experience nausea, sweating, dizziness, or discomfort in less obvious areas like the back or jaw. These subtler signs often lead to delayed treatment.

Tasmanian cyclist Sharron Yaxley’s case underscores the danger. Despite a strong family history of heart disease and regular medical checks, she was diagnosed with a serious condition requiring open heart surgery. Her story reflects a broader issue: many women assume they are healthy until a crisis strikes. To combat this, the Heart Foundation is urging all Australians over 45 to book a Medicare-subsidised heart health check. The assessment covers blood pressure, cholesterol levels, family history, and a five-year risk evaluation. Early detection could prevent many of the 24 women who die from coronary heart disease each day.

The push for regular heart checks aims to reduce preventable deaths among women. With symptoms often overlooked and risk factors misunderstood, health authorities stress the importance of proactive screening. The message is clear: knowing your heart health could save your life.