Media release: Wednesday 29 October 2025
New AIHW report reveals 65% of heart failure patients return to emergency departments within a year
The Heart Foundation says new data released today shows more must be done to understand and address why so many heart failure patients return to hospital emergency departments.
Heart failure is a condition that occurs when your heart muscle doesn't pump blood to the rest of your body the way it should. It is a long-term condition, often uncurable and may need lifelong management, including medicines. Treatment helps a person feel better and to live a longer, healthier life.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's (AIHW) 'Hospital to community: How Australians with heart failure receive health care' report released today shows people who experience heart failure are likely to revisit an emergency department in the 12 months following their first admission.
Key takeaways from the 71,500 people in Australia who were admitted to hospital for heart failure include:
- 65% of those who survive will re-attend an emergency department in the first year.
- Nearly a quarter (24%) died within one year of their initial hospitalisation, with 40% of those being due to cardiovascular disease.
Heart Foundation Healthcare Programs Manager, Natalie Raffoul, said the report showed that more must be done to prevent heart failure patients from dying or returning to hospital emergency departments.
"This report is the first real comprehensive look at the heart failure patient journey through the healthcare system and its findings are concerning," Ms Raffoul said.
"Heart failure can be detrimental to a person's quality of life and a costly disease burden to the healthcare system. It's imperative that we now seek to understand why people are not receiving the support they need to avoid premature death or re-hospitalisation due to heart failure."
Ms Raffoul said the Heart Foundation had already identified improved patient support as a key focus for its 25-year vision and current five-year strategic plan, Health for Every Heart.
