A new heart study shows many Australians are either too lazy, do not have the time or have an existing health condition preventing them from changing to a healthier lifestyle.

The study by the National Heart Foundation shows 60 per cent of Australians are not getting the recommended amount of physical activity per week.

The foundation's doctor, Lynn Roberts, says close to half of overweight people falsely believed their health met national guidelines.

"It is a bit depressing because we've run this survey now for three years and I'd have to say the results are not encouraging," she said.

The study found that three quarters of obese people rated their health as good , very good or excellent .

It also found one in six smokers believe they have a low or very low risk of heart disease.

Dr Roberts says three quarters of Australians think they are consuming the right amount of vegetables per week when they are not.

The Heart Foundation recommends at least five serves of vegetables a day.

A serve constitutes half a cup of cooked vegetables or one cup of salad vegetables.

The study also found that less than half of respondents are getting the recommended 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.

The Heart Foundation says walking or other exercise programs are good ways of staying fit.

Out of all respondents, the survey found those aged over 60 are most likely to meet the recommended exercise requirements.

Dr Roberts says with an Australian dying every 22 minutes from heart disease, the results show federal and state governments, along with health groups, have a lot more work to do.