New Zealand faces a severe heart care crisis with major cardiologist shortages and poor patient outcomes.

New Zealand's heart care is severely lacking, with only a third of the needed cardiologists and half of heart attack patients not receiving timely treatment. The shortage has led to a $13.8 billion annual economic impact. The report highlights the need for a national strategy to improve cardiac services and address staffing shortages. Patients from Māori and Pacific communities face disproportionately worse outcomes.