Search

Shop

Donate

Your heartHealthy livingFor professionalsResearchHow you can helpAbout us

This is a test

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.

Heart and flame emblem icon

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.
Hand holding a heart shape light
Mobile phone view of different screens of MyHeart MyLife program