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Heart Disease Support in Australia

Heart disease is Australia's biggest killer — but survival rates have never been better. Whether you've had a heart attack, heart failure, or cardiac surgery, here's what's available to help you recover and live well.

Key Support Services

Heart Foundation Helpline

Free, personalised information from qualified health professionals. Heart conditions, medications, diet, exercise, recovery.

Heart Foundation 13 11 12Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm ACSTFree

heartfoundation.org.au/helpline

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Evidence-based program that significantly reduces risk of another event. Hospital-based, 6–12 weeks, supervised exercise + education + psychological support. If not referred, ask your GP.

Heart Foundation Walking

Free community walking groups across Australia. Great post-cardiac-rehab option.

Find a walking group

After a Heart Event

1. Attend cardiac rehab. The single most effective thing to prevent another event.
2. Understand your medications. Call the Heart Foundation Helpline (13 11 12) for plain-language explanations.
3. Get a Heart Health Check. Annual check for 45+ (30+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). Medicare-covered.
4. Address the emotional impact. Up to 1 in 3 people experience depression or anxiety after a heart event. This is treatable.

Support for Families & Young People with Heart Conditions

Not all heart disease is age-related. An estimated 68,200 children and adults in Australia live with a congenital heart defect — a heart condition present from birth — and around 6 in every 1,000 Australian babies are born with one (likely an undercount; the global estimate is closer to 9 in 1,000). Support for these families looks different from general cardiac support, and is easy to miss if you only search "heart disease."

HeartKids Australia

The national charity for children, young people and adults born with congenital or childhood-onset heart disease. Offers in-hospital family support coordinators, a national helpline, peer support groups, mental health counselling, and early-childhood development programs.

HeartKids 1800 432 785Mon–Fri 9am–5pm AEST

heartkids.org.au

Heart Support Australia

National peer-support and advocacy body for people affected by heart disease, including a Hospital Patient Visitors program offering bedside support to newly diagnosed patients and their families.

02 6253 0097

heartsupport.org.au

Hearts4heart

Charity for people with arrhythmia, heart valve disease and heart failure, running a "Heart Buddy" peer program that also supports carers and family members.

1300 343 278

hearts4heart.org.au

The Mental Health Connection

Chronic conditions significantly increase risk of depression and anxiety. If you're struggling emotionally, these free screening tools can help.

Take the DASS-21 Take the K10 Get a Mental Health Plan
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Common Questions About Heart Disease Support

Is the Heart Foundation helpline free?
Yes, the Heart Foundation Helpline (13 11 12) is staffed by cardiac nurses and is free to call from anywhere in Australia. It covers questions about heart attack recovery, medications, risk factors, and can help you find local cardiac rehabilitation programs.
What is cardiac rehabilitation and is it subsidised?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured program of supervised exercise, education, and psychological support following a heart event or diagnosis. Most public hospital cardiac rehab programs are free, and some private providers offer Medicare-subsidised sessions with a GP referral. Ask your cardiologist or GP for a referral before you're discharged if possible, as early enrolment improves outcomes.
Can I get a Medicare-subsidised Heart Health Check?
Yes. The Heart Health Check is a Medicare item specifically for assessing cardiovascular risk in adults, usually recommended from age 45 (or 30 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). Ask your GP to book one specifically, as it's a distinct, longer consultation from a standard check-up.
What support exists for carers of someone with heart disease?
The Heart Foundation Helpline supports carers as well as patients, and Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) provides broader carer-specific support including counselling and respite regardless of the condition being cared for.
Where can families of a child born with a heart condition get support?
HeartKids Australia (1800 432 785, heartkids.org.au) is the national charity specifically for children, young people and adults born with congenital or childhood-onset heart disease, and their families — including in-hospital support coordinators and peer support groups. Heart Support Australia and Hearts4heart also welcome family members and carers, not just patients.
What's the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
A heart attack is a "plumbing" problem — an artery supplying the heart muscle becomes blocked, but the heart usually keeps beating. Cardiac arrest is an "electrical" problem — the heart's rhythm fails and it stops beating effectively, causing loss of consciousness. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest if untreated, but they're distinct emergencies. Either way, call 000 immediately.
How soon after a heart attack can I drive again?
The Heart Foundation's general guidance for private drivers is at least 2 weeks for an uncomplicated heart attack, longer if you've had procedures — around 2 days after an uncomplicated angioplasty/stent, or 4 weeks after bypass surgery. These are general timeframes only; always get clearance from your cardiologist or GP before driving again, and check your state or territory's licensing requirements.
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Medical disclaimer: This site provides general health information and verified helpline numbers only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For mental health crisis support, call Lifeline 13 11 14. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Helpline numbers verified June 2026. No AI-generated content is used on this site.
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