Heart disease remains one of Australia's biggest health issues - and one of the most costly.
Last financial year, Australia's largest private health fund, Medibank Private, paid out over $100 million in cardiac treatment benefits on behalf of members.
And many cardiac incidents are preventable, according to the principal executive officer of the Heart Foundation of Australia, Dr Lyn Roberts.
"One Australian dies every 10 minutes of cardiovascular disease. Promoting healthy lifestyles is important in combatting this disease, as risk factors such as tobacco smoking, high blood cholesterol, being overweight, lack of physical activity and hypertension are still major problems for many Australians," Dr Roberts said.
"We are delighted that Australia's largest health fund has formed an alliance with the Heart Foundation to help lower the impact of heart disease and stroke, both during National Heart Week and through year-round support."
Medibank Private Managing Director George Savvides said that offering members information on healthy lifestyle and cardiac disease prevention activities was a priority for the health fund.
"All private health fund members want to stay healthy and avoid hospital treatment, and they also want to see premiums kept affordable," Mr Savvides said.
"By taking greater control of their health with disease prevention and healthy lifestyle activities, members enhance their quality of life, reduce their likelihood of requiring hospital treatment and help to keep insurance premiums affordable for all Medibank Private policyholders."
Medibank Private is supporting members in this pursuit, by collaborating with the Heart Foundation to provide quality health information on the Medibank website.
Medibank Private's alliance with the Heart Foundation will also see the two organisations work together on joint promotional activities, and develop new healthy heart initiatives for Medibank Private members.