The Heart Foundation is calling for an urgent coordinated national Heart Health action plan.
Almost one million New Zealanders are living with heart disease with about 10,000 dying every year.
But the Heart Foundation says a quarter of those deaths could be avoided with more prevention. Medical director Dr Gerry Devlin told The AM Show more early detection is needed.
"We need to do something about this," he said. "It's not fair. We need to actually address heart health in New Zealand - hence our call for a Heart Health action plan."
A paper with recommendations is being launched at Parliament on Tuesday - early detection and a transparent health system being among those suggestions.
Dr Devlin said heart health is a huge problem for New Zealanders, with those most at-risk being Māori, Pasifika, and low-income families.
He said heart issues are also beginning to affect a lower age demographic.
"It's not uncommon for us to see young men and women in their 20s and 30s with heart failure."
Heart Foundation chief executive Clive Nelson said initiatives need to join together to create the national plan.
"Many of these deaths are premature and many are avoidable," he told Newshub on Monday.
"We'd like a more transparent and accountable health system so we can see where the gaps are, clearly, across the country."
