According to Australian Heart Maps, the region is ranked one of the worst for insufficient exercise and heart failure, with four out of five people out of shape. 

The maps are based on data collated by the Heart Foundation and provide an insight into the haves and have-nots in heart health.

Sydney’s north and eastern suburbs are among the fittest and healthiest in the nation, in stark contrast to the Riverina which was given the unwanted title of “NSW’s fattest” last year.

Wagga businessman Geoff Crouch, who suffered a heart attack when he was just 39 years old, said the results should encourage everyone, not just the overweight, to make their health “a priority”.

“I wasn’t overweight, but I didn’t do any regular exercise either,” Mr Crouch said. 

“I was a pack-a-day smoker and my diet wasn’t real flash, but I had absolutely no idea I was at risk of a heart attack.”

On a Friday night 12 years ago, Mr Crouch got an ache in his left arm and jaw and felt a bit sick, but didn’t think anything of it. However, when he later went to see his doctor, Mr Crouch found out he’d actually had a heart attack. 

Scared into action, Mr Crouch changed his diet, quit smoking and started exercising regularly.

Adjunct Professor John Kelly from the Heart Foundation said the maps showed a positive correlation between heart admissions and obesity, smoking and physical inactivity.

“What we need is a greater focus on prevention and management of heart disease in rural and remote Australia and in areas of disadvantage,” he said.