Calls for heart disease screening

 Posted 3 April 2024 AM

The Heart Foundation is calling for the Albanese Government to fund Australia's first targeted heart disease screening program in this year's Federal Budget, to serve as an "early alert" for high risk patients, with the potential to save tens of thousands of Australians from heart attacks, strokes and heart-related deaths.

The high-profile lobby group wants the government to bankroll the initiative, starting with an initial allocation of  $3.3 million in the upcoming financial year to design the program. Heart Foundation Healthcare Programs Manager Natalie Raffoul said despite coronary heart disease being the leading cause of death in Australia, the onus is currently placed on individuals to voluntarily present to their GP for a preventative check.

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