“A Heart for Vienna” is a community-based prevention programme for cardiovascular diseases in Vienna. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most prominent cause of death in Austria (47.6% in 2001) and mortality rates in Vienna are the highest in all of Austria (54% in 2001). In 2001 the City of Vienna therefore implemented the prevention programme "Ein Herz für Wien" ("A Heart for Vienna") to address the main risk factors for CVD in Vienna.The programme includes seven general steps to promote cardiovascular health. The responsible programme managers defined and initialised projects for each step and adapted them for different target groups. The programme constitutes a practical guide to living a healthier life.

The seven steps are:

1. making regular physical activity part of your daily routine
2. shedding a few kilos to your heart’s delight
3. opting for a balanced diet to boost your heart
4. having blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels checked as part of your annual health check
5. drinking less alcohol, better still none
6. staying smoke-free for the sake of your heart
7. reducing stress, relaxing!