Who we are

Improving heart health for all

The Heart Foundation was established in 1961 at a time when heart disease was rapidly increasing and its causes were poorly understood. Our founders set out with a clear mission: to prevent heart disease, help those affected live long, fulfilling lives, and to fund the research necessary to support these goals.

Since then, we have made significant progress in understanding, preventing, treating, and managing heart disease. But despite advancements, heart disease remains Australia’s leading cause of death and disability, disproportionately affecting the most disadvantaged in our society.

Our vision is that heart health will be achievable by everyone in Australia by 2050. To achieve this, we will work alongside communities, government, industry, researchers, healthcare professionals, supporters, people with lived experience, and volunteers to harness collective knowledge and experience, both nationally and globally.

We lead a national movement for improved health and wellbeing, with heart health at its core.