Action Plans
Recovery is a long journey, so having a plan makes a huge difference. Using an action plan gives you a step-by-step guide to improving your lifestyle.
Key takeaways
Every step counts. Even small ones can make a big difference to your recovery, so pick an action plan and get started.
- Make a plan to track your recovery and journey to a healthier heart.
- Identify what you are ready to do now to help to take the next steps
- You can use our interactive action plans or download and print them
- Share your progress with your healthcare team and always seek advice from your doctor before changing any medication.
The Action plans
Select one of these action plans and make a start:
- Heart attack warning signs
- Nutrition
- Physical activity
- Healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Diabetes
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol and triglycerides
- Alcohol
- Psychological and social health
Know more about our Action Plans
Manage your heart attack signs and symptoms
Make sure you have a plan so you can take action if you experience another heart attack.
Download the heart attack warning signs action plan.
Learn more about heart attacks
Nutrition action plan
Eat more healthy foods and cut down on foods high in salt. Cut back on unhealthy fats, like saturated and trans fats, and replace them with healthier fats.Download a printable version (PDF).
Physical activity
Get back to doing everyday tasks step by step. Start slowly and gradually build up your activity.
Download a printable version (PDF).
Healthy weight
If your health professionals say you need to loose weight, use this plan to guide you.
Download a printable version (PDF).
Quit smoking action plan
Planning to quit smoking is an important part of your recovery.
Download a printable version (PDF).
Diabetes action plan
Taking your diabetes medicines as prescribed to control your diabetes?
Get your diabetes under control.
Download a printable version (PDF).
Blood pressure action plan
Talk to your doctor and take your medicines to help Keep your blood pressure at healthy levels.
Download a printable version (PDF).
Cholesterol and triglycerides action plan
Triglycerides and cholesterol are fatty substances that circulate in your blood. Keeping these levels down can make a big difference.
Download a printable version (PDF).
Alcohol action plan
Manage your alcohol intake by switching alcoholic drinks with low kilojoule drinks, like tap water, plain mineral water or diet soft drink.
Download a printable version (PDF).
Psychological and social health action plan
Talk to your doctor and take care of your emotional health with this action plan.
More Australians die of Heart Disease than any other cause.
More Australians die of Heart Disease than any other cause.
More Australians die of Heart Disease than any other cause.
And the heartache lasts a lifetime. But you can help the Heart Foundation fund life-saving research to keep more families together....
Jump Rope for Heart
Jump Rope for Heart
Jump Rope for Heart
Jump Rope for Heart teaches school children how to keep fit and healthy through skipping!...
MyMarathon
MyMarathon
MyMarathon
The fundraising race where you set the pace. Run, jog or walk MyMarathon at your own pace during October....
Getting active at school
Getting active at school
Getting active at school
Physical activity resources for school staff....
Healthy Active by Design
Healthy Active by Design
Healthy Active by Design
Improving the design of our cities, towns, streets and buildings makes it easier for Australians to lead heart-healthy lives....
Building physical activity into urban planning and design
Building physical activity into urban planning and design
Building physical activity into urban planning and design
Resources available for built environment professionals to help guide in the development of active outdoor and indoor spaces....
Physical activity in the workplace
Physical activity in the workplace
Physical activity in the workplace
Resources to help you create a more physically active workplace....
Your heart is your most important tool
Your heart is your most important tool
Your heart is your most important tool
Men’s Health Week is the perfect time to think about your heart....
Heart Age Calculator
Heart Age Calculator
Heart Age Calculator
Could you be at risk of heart disease? Get your estimated heart age now....
Stay informed about COVID-19
Stay informed about COVID-19
Stay informed about COVID-19
If you have heart disease, you are more vulnerable to severe complications....
Heart Healthy Dinner Plan
Heart Healthy Dinner Plan
Heart Healthy Dinner Plan
Sign up now and discover delicious, easy to follow dinner recipes. Plus shopping lists, tips and other helpful information to make healthy eating easy. ...
Heart Foundation recipes
Heart Foundation recipes
Heart Foundation recipes
Check out our recipe categories to find your next heart healthy meal....
Time to book a Heart Health Check?
Time to book a Heart Health Check?
Time to book a Heart Health Check?
If you're 45 and over, or 30 and over if you're of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you should book your Heart Health Check today...
How to make healthier meals at home
How to make healthier meals at home
How to make healthier meals at home
Cooking at home is often healthier than eating out....
Chest x-ray for heart disease
Chest x-ray for heart disease
Chest x-ray for heart disease
This test can help your doctor determine if there is anything wrong with your heart....
Medical tests for heart disease
Medical tests for heart disease
Medical tests for heart disease
Learn about the common tests your doctor may want you to have to diagnose your heart condition....
Risk factors for women
Risk factors for women
Risk factors for women
In Australia, 90% of women have one risk factor for heart disease, and 50% have two or more. ...
Heart disease and pregnancy
Heart disease and pregnancy
Heart disease and pregnancy
Pregnancy is often referred to as the “ultimate stress test” for the body....
Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
A coronary artery calcium score can be used following a Heart Health Check to estimate your risk of heart attack....
What is an arrhythmia?
What is an arrhythmia?
What is an arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia is a fault in the heart’s electrical system, which affects your heart’s pumping rhythm....
What is a cardiac arrest?
What is a cardiac arrest?
What is a cardiac arrest?
With immediate help a cardiac arrest can be survived. Learn how to save a life....
What is atrial fibrillation?
What is atrial fibrillation?
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia where your heart beats irregularly and fast....
What is heart valve disease?
What is heart valve disease?
What is heart valve disease?
Heart valve disease means that your heart valve or valves don't open or close properly....
What is a heart attack?
What is a heart attack?
What is a heart attack?
The most common cause of a heart attack is coronary heart disease....
What is coronary heart disease?
What is coronary heart disease?
What is coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease (CHD) or coronary artery disease occurs when a coronary artery clogs and narrows because of a buildup of plaque....
Are you at risk of heart disease?
Are you at risk of heart disease?
Are you at risk of heart disease?
There is no single cause for any one heart condition, but there are risk factors that increase your chance of developing one. ...
Heart conditions in women
Heart conditions in women
Heart conditions in women
Like men, women can be diagnosed with a range of heart conditions....
What is angina?
What is angina?
What is angina?
Angina is a type of chest pain or discomfort that’s a symptom of an underlying heart problem, usually coronary heart disease (CHD)....
What is heart disease?
What is heart disease?
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is the broad term for conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle. ...
After being treated for atrial fibrillation, Boyd is now back on track
After being treated for atrial fibrillation, Boyd is now back on track
After being treated for atrial fibrillation, Boyd is now back on track
Running has been an important part of Boyd's life, so imagine his shock when a heart condition he had never heard of threatened to put a stop to it. ...