16-22 February
More than half a million Australians were living with heart valve disease in 2021, with an estimated 254,000 people currently living with the disease undiagnosed. This week aims to raise awareness of this serious but treatable disease and encourages Australians aged over 65 to start a conversation with their doctors.
“James was in his early 50s and had been living in South East Queensland for many years. He began noticing shortness of breath and unusual fatigue while walking his dog—something he’d done daily for years. Initially blaming stress and age, he delayed seeing his GP. A routine check-up eventually revealed a heart murmur, and follow-up tests confirmed severe aortic valve disease.
He was referred to a Brisbane cardiology team and underwent valve replacement surgery at a public hospital. After several weeks of recovery and cardiac rehabilitation, he returned to work and gradually resumed exercise. Looking back, he says the subtle early symptoms were easy to dismiss—and that listening to his body likely prevented heart failure.”
https://www.healthworks.com.au/calendar-of-health-awareness-events-for-february-2026/
