The Annual Memorial Service will be held on Sunday 5 May at St Patrick's Cathedral in East Melbourne.
This non-denominational service brings people together to remember loved ones through music and prayer, featuring the beautiful voices of the Piccolo Canto and Dolce Canto choirs from Wesley College.
Heart Foundation CEO Victoria, Kellie-Ann Jolly, said, "We welcome families and friends to light a candle in memory of their loved ones whose lives have been lost to heart disease. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to those we've lost and to those living with heart disease, and to give thanks to the medical professionals who strive daily to improve and save lives.
"Since 1968, we have seen a fall in deaths from heart disease, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Tragically, 51 people die from heart disease every day, and it remains Australia's biggest killer. More Australians are also living longer with the burden of heart disease, with some unable to live life as they wish to their full capacity."
This year the Foundation marks 60 years of fighting for Australian hearts. Since 1959, it has invested nearly $600 million (in today's dollars) towards heart research, leading to important breakthroughs that have helped reduce the number of deaths from heart disease.
"Our funding has contributed to research that developed the pacemaker, established our first coronary care and cardiac rehabilitation units and led to advances in the treatment of high blood pressure and cholesterol," Ms Jolly said.
"We also lobbied for the free Triple Zero (000) emergency telephone line that now saves lives around the country.
"Our Annual Memorial Service is a warm and welcoming opportunity for people to come together and remember loved ones, reflect on the advances we've made in heart health and recognise that we need to keep fighting to save more Australian hearts."
The Annual Memorial Service marks the close of Heart Week, a national awareness week that shines the spotlight on heart disease.
You can find out all of the details about the event here.
