National Expert Panel to Focus on Women’s Heart Health – March 12th 2026

Her Heart has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that cardiovascular disease will be the first focus of the new Ministerial Expert Panel on Women’s Health, chaired by the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Indigenous Health and Women, the Hon. Rebecca White MP.

The panel will bring together clinicians, researchers, consumer advocates and leading organisations working in women’s cardiovascular health to identify practical ways to improve prevention, diagnosis and care for women across Australia.

Her Heart Founder and CEO, Professor Linda Worrall-Carter, who is a member of the Expert Panel, welcomed the announcement and the national focus on women’s cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the most significant health threats facing Australian women, yet it is often under-recognised and diagnosed later than in men.

Professor Worrall-Carter said the establishment of the panel was an important step in addressing long-standing gaps in women’s heart health.

“Heart disease remains one of the biggest health threats facing Australian women. Almost one woman dies every hour – around 20 women every day – yet awareness of this risk remains far too low.

“Women have been significantly under-represented in cardiovascular research and clinical trials, often making up only around 25 per cent of participants. This means many diagnostic tools and treatment guidelines have historically been based largely on male data.

“The establishment of this Expert Panel is an important step forward. Bringing together clinicians, researchers, advocates and women with lived experience will help ensure women’s heart health is better recognised in policy and care.”

Professor Worrall-Carter spoke at the announcement in Canberra today, where Her Heart Community Ambassador Debra Clare also shared her personal experience of heart disease, highlighting the challenges many women face in receiving timely diagnosis and care.

The event was attended by representatives from leading cardiovascular organisations including the Heart Foundation and the Stroke Foundation, reflecting the importance of collaboration across the sector to improve outcomes for women.

During the announcement, Professor Worrall-Carter also highlighted the need for greater awareness, improved recognition of women’s symptoms and stronger prevention strategies.

“Women often experience different symptoms to men and many do not present with the ‘classic’ chest pain associated with heart attacks. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, with very real consequences for women’s health.”

The Ministerial Expert Panel will convene in the coming months and provide advice to government on ways to improve heart health outcomes for women across Australia

ENDS

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Carolina Fitzpatrick
Her Heart
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About Her Heart

Her Heart is Australia’s only not-for-profit organisation dedicated to women’s cardiovascular health. Through awareness, education, research and advocacy, Her Heart works to improve prevention, diagnosis and outcomes for women affected by heart disease. Almost one Australian woman dies every hour from heart disease — around 20 women every day — yet more than 80 percent of heart disease is preventable. Her Heart is committed to ensuring every woman has access to the information, support and care needed to protect her heart health.

Download the press release here.