How to keep your heart strong
Learn about simple steps and helpful resources to support your health and lower your chances of heart disease.
Key takeaways
- Learn simple ways to keep your heart healthy
- Know what support is available
- Have regular health check-ups with your doctor or health service.
Why is it important to look after your heart?
Looking after your heart helps you stay strong for yourself, your family, community, and the things you love.
Heart disease can occur 10 to 20 years earlier among First Nation people in Australia and can lead to long-term health problems. The Heart Foundation is committed to improving the heart health of all Australians by providing information and resources to lower the risk of heart disease.
Simple ways to lower your chances of heart disease
Healthy choices make a big difference. Certain risk factors make some people more likely to have heart disease. You can protect your heart by:
Eat foods that help your heart
Choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins to give your body the fuel it needs.
Learn more: Healthy eating to protect your heart
Take action:
Get moving every day
Moving your body regularly helps keep your heart strong and it helps your heart pump blood around your body.
Movement can be walking, dancing, playing sport, or any activity you enjoy that gets you moving. Keeping active can help with managing body weight. Being a healthy weight can help lessen the chances of getting heart disease.
Learn more:
Physical activity and your heart health  Healthy body weight 
Take action:
Stay smoke-free
Staying smoke-free helps keep your heart and lungs strong and healthy. Smoking and vaping can damage the blood vessels that carry blood around your body, making it harder for your heart to do its job. Choosing to quit can help strengthen your heart and support your health - for you and for your family. Support is available when you’re ready.
Take action:
- Yarn with a health worker you trust about getting support to quit
- Or call the Quitline on 13 7848
- Or visit the Quit Smoking & Vaping: Get Expert Cessation Tips & Help
Drink less alcohol
Drinking alcohol can affect how well the heart works. Cutting down or having alcohol-free days can help support a strong, healthy heart.
Take action
- Yarn with the clinical or a health worker you trust for more support to drink less alcohol.
- Drinking water is one of the best ways to support heart health. Choosing water more often and cutting back on alcohol can help keep your heart strong.
Take care of your wellbeing
Stress, worries and feeling low can affect your heart — yarn with someone you trust and make time for things that help you feel good.
Take action
- See your doctor (GP) to yarn about support available if you’re feeling stressed, worried, or feeling low.
Support is available
You’re not alone. Support is available to help you keep your heart strong.
- Talk to your doctor or health service about getting a heart check.
- Ask your clinic or a health worker about support to quit smoking or drink less alcohol, manage health conditions, or for support to be more active.
Last updated26 March 2026
Last reviewed12 March 2024