Our history
Our history: 65 years of achievement
A legacy of life-saving impact
1959
A movement begins
The Heart Foundation is founded to combat heart disease, Australia’s leading cause of death, through research, education, and prevention.
1960s
Pioneering heart care
- Cardiac rehab, pacemakers and coronary care revolutionised post–heart event treatment.
- Australia’s first heart transplant and coronary care ambulance introduced with Foundation support.
1970s
Public health breakthroughs
- Triple Zero (000) becomes a free emergency number following Foundation advocacy.
- Mandatory cigarette warnings and a ban on tobacco ads position Australia as a world leader in tobacco control.
- Blood pressure medication research shapes treatment guidelines.
1980s
Preventing heart disease early
- Jump Rope for Heart gets millions of kids moving.
- Passive smoking risks are exposed.
- Heart Foundation Tick empowers shoppers to choose healthier food.
1990s
Turning the tide
- Heart disease deaths drop 86% from their 1968 peak.
- Smoke-free dining laws protect public health.
- Heart Foundation Walking and Helpline launch.
- Long-term statin study transforms cholesterol treatment access.
2000s
Equity and prevention front and centre
- Smoking bans expand to cars, playgrounds, and public venues.
- Rheumatic heart disease guidelines and vaccine research launched for First Nations communities.
- Graphic pack warnings, Go Red for Women, and the Heart Attack Warning Signs campaign help save lives.
- National cardiovascular disease risk guidelines support GPs to better aid in prevention.
2010s
Smarter choices, stronger systems
- Kilojoule labelling and Health Star Ratings make healthy choices easier.
- Plain packaging for tobacco becomes law, a world first.
- Heart Maps and new clinical guidelines help target support efforts.
- Medicare funded Heart Health Checks help to save lives.
2020s
Innovation, equity, and advocacy
- Over $80 million invested in heart health research from 2020 to 2024.
- One million Heart Health Checks expected by the end of 2025.
- Government funds new remote community laundries to help reduce rheumatic heart disease rates.
- Launch of new national clinical guidelines and the CVD Risk Calculator.
- Professor Sandra Eades appointed as Chief Medical Officer, First Nations Health.
- Catalyst Partnership Grants launched to support bold, equity-driven heart health solutions.
- GPs have delivered over one million Heart Health Checks since Medicare introduced the item in 2019.
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Last updated24 November 2025