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Why are we talking about heart health?

Because it's Heart Month. And Heart Month gives us the perfect opportunity to shine a light on how big a deal heart disease is in Aotearoa. 

To put it simply, heart disease is massive. It's far bigger than many of us realise. We've uncovered some facts that help illustrate the extend of this challenge here in New Zealand: 

The good news is that many of these deaths are preventable. And knowing the facts helps us all take small, everyday steps to support our hearts and our whānau.

What does this mean for Māori and Pacific peoples?

Heart disease disproportionately affects Māori and Pacific communities.

Māori are more than twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease than non-Māori. Māori are also more likely to be hospitalised for heart related conditions and experience these issues at a younger age.

Pacific peoples are also at higher risk. More than 7,000 Pacific people in New Zealand live with heart disease, and Pacific adults are more likely to develop heart conditions earlier in life. Two out of every five Pacific deaths from heart disease occur between the ages of 35 and 65.

Women are affected too. Pacific women are more than twice as likely to experience heart failure compared with non-Pacific women, and Māori women also face increased risk, particularly after menopause.

These inequities are why heart health checks are recommended earlier for Māori and Pacific peoples, and why prevention and awareness are so important.

How does heart month help?

Heart Month reminds us to think about what our hearts need.

Across Aotearoa, organisations like the Heart Foundation run initiatives such as the Big Heart Appeal and Big Heart Day. These campaigns help fund lifesaving research, support education and raise awareness in communities where the need is greatest.
 

Why funding and prevention matter more than ever

Heart disease remains one of New Zealand’s biggest health challenges, and the numbers show we cannot afford to be reactive.

Funding heart research, education and prevention programmes saves lives. It helps us better understand who is most at risk, improve early detection and ensure communities have access to the support they need before heart disease becomes life threatening.

Prevention campaigns play a critical role, especially for Māori and Pacific peoples who are disproportionately affected and often experience heart disease at younger ages. Early heart health checks, culturally appropriate education and community-led programmes all make a difference.

Initiatives like the Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Appeal help fund lifesaving research and prevention efforts. Continued investment in these programmes supports healthier futures for individuals, whānau and generations to come.

Heart Month is a reminder that while individual choices matter, collective action matters too. When we support funding, research and prevention, we help create a health system that focuses not just on treatment, but on keeping people well.
 

So, what can we do to keep our hearts healthy?

While funding and prevention programmes are essential, there are also simple steps each of us can take to support our heart health day to day. Small changes really do add up.

1. Know your numbers
Getting your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked is one of the most important things you can do for your heart. Māori and Pacific peoples are encouraged to have heart health checks earlier, so talk to your GP or nurse about what’s right for you.

2. Move a little every day
You do not need to train for a big event. Walking, gardening, playing with tamariki or taking the stairs all count. Aim to move your body most days in a way that feels doable and enjoyable.

3. Eat for your heart
Filling your plate with vegetables, lean protein, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds supports heart health. Cutting back on salt, sugary drinks and highly processed foods can help manage blood pressure and cholesterol.

4. Quit smoking
Smoking significantly increases your risk of heart disease. If quitting feels hard, you are not alone. Support is available through your healthcare team, Quitline and community services.

5. Prioritise sleep and stress
Poor sleep and ongoing stress can take a toll on your heart. Creating a regular sleep routine, spending time with whānau, getting outside or practising simple breathing techniques can all help.

6. Know the warning signs
Heart attack symptoms are not always the same for everyone. Chest discomfort is common, but symptoms can also include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue. If you think it could be a heart attack, call 111 immediately.

7. Support heart health in your community
Back prevention programmes and research by supporting initiatives like Heart Month and the Big Heart Appeal.

Remember that prevention is not about being perfect. It's about making informed choices and doing what you can, when you can, to look after your heart.

It's also important to look out for whānau, support those at higher risk and back initiatives that fund education, research and prevention across our communities.

When we step up together, we protect not just our hearts today, but the health of future generations.

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