Women's heart stories
Women's heart stories from around Australia
Heart disease: the leading cause of death in women
Heart disease can happen at any age for women, with risk factors changing over time, including during pregnancy and menopause.
Despite this, women are less likely than men to attend cardiac rehab, take their medicines regularly, or make long-term lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with a heart condition. They’re also less likely to receive treatment for a heart attack or chest pain in hospital.
It’s important to know the warning signs of a heart attack and take steps to protect your heart health — early action can make a big difference. In the videos and blogs below, you’ll hear from women and their loved ones, sharing their personal experiences with heart disease.
Sharon's Story
Fit and healthy, Sharon survived a ‘widow maker’ heart attack and now urges women to recognise the warning signs and protect their heart health.
Emma's Story
Emma ignored the warning signs and had a heart attack at 45. She recovered, continued bodybuilding, and now urges everyone to get heart health checks.
Rowena's Story
Rowena survived a cardiac arrest in 2020 and now champions heart health, inspiring women and teens to stay active and know the risks.
Nadene's Story
In 2023, Nadene, a healthy woman in her mid-40s, had a heart attack from spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) after a gym session.
Mae’s journey from ARVC diagnosis to volunteer
After an unexpected ARVC diagnosis, Mae's life changed. Now, she volunteers to support heart disease research and awareness. Read her story.
Emily’s fight for life after an abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection
Emily overcame an abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection, surviving cardiac arrest and stroke to rebuild her life after heart surgery.
Cindy’s journey with STEMI and heart spasms
After a heart attack at 35, Cindy’s heart attack and STEMI symptoms led to a rare diagnosis of vasospastic angina after tachycardia and an angiogram.
Nadine's story
Born with a heart condition, Nadine had surgery at 21. With her cardiologist's support, she navigated pregnancy years later.
Josie's story
Josie felt tired before her heart attack and didn’t realise it was a warning sign. She had a minor one first — then a second, more serious one.
Rhonda’s story
At 45, Rhonda had chest pain she thought was due to smoking. A stent saved her life. She quit smoking and alcohol and changed her lifestyle.
Jo's story
Previously fit and healthy, Jo experienced preeclampsia in both pregnancies and had a heart surgery 12 years later.
Sabine's story
Sabine had preeclampsia during her first pregnancy. At the hospital, her blood pressure was dangerously high. This is her story.
Jen's story
At 36, Jen had a SCAD not long after giving birth. Still breastfeeding, she hesitated — but her husband urged her to get help.
Liza's story
Mum of two, Liza, felt pain in her left arm and shoulder before learning she had SCAD.
Cardiac arrest at 33: the challenges of restarting your life
Emma shares her cardiac arrest survival story and opens up about her emotional struggles.
Overcoming uncertainty: Bianca Beetham’s heart story
Bianca Beetham is 24 years old and lives in Sydney. She is currently waiting for her first open-heart surgery after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy five years ago.
Family planning, interrupted
Cara Curan is 36 years old and from Coffs Harbour NSW born with pulmonary atresia, a defect where the valve that enables blood flow from the heart to the lungs doesn’t form at all, she has endured five open heart surgeries since she was a child.
Sharon’s story
Fit and healthy, Sharon survived a ‘widow maker’ heart attack and now urges women to recognise the warning signs and protect their heart health.
Kyle's story, husband of Jo
Kyle talks about Jo’s experience with preeclampsia and her subsequent heart surgery.
Tony’s story, husband of Jacqui
When his wife Jacqui collapsed with flu-like symptoms, Tony performed CPR. It helped keep her alive until the ambulance arrived.
Andrew's story, father of Maggie
Andrew’s daughter Maggie was just 16 when she was diagnosed with myocarditis and pericarditis.
Kattie's story
Diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia at 23, Kattie took medicine to slow her heart, then had surgery.
Maggie's story
Diagnosed at 16, Maggie had multiple surgeries for myocarditis and pericarditis. She’s grateful to be alive and has a deeper appreciation for life.
Miranda
Sylvia's story
After losing her father to heart disease, Sylvia reflects on living with grief and the importance of seeking support.
Jacqui's story
Jacqui survived three cardiac arrests at 43. She shares how it affected her family and her recovery journey.
Mary’s story
Mary had a triple bypass at 58 after experiencing angina. With a family history of heart disease, she underwent surgery to manage her condition.
Jane’s story
Jane had a heart attack at 50. Her story highlights the importance of heart health for women and the need for awareness around heart disease risks.
Marina’s story
At age 23, Marina experienced pulmonary embolism, a serious vascular condition.
Margaret's story
At 35, fit and healthy Margaret had a heart attack. She received treatment and found support for recovery through cardiac rehab.
Joanne’s story
At 36, Joanne had a heart attack and heart surgery after experiencing back and shoulder pain. She realised heart attacks can affect young women too.
Joanne's story
At 38, Joanne was young, fit and healthy. She was preparing dinner at home when she went into cardiac arrest.
Ann's story
Ann, from Vietnam, urges women to call 000 if you experience any heart attack warning signs. Interpreter services are available when calling 000.
Chharvy’s story
Chharvy, originally from Cambodia, talks about the early warning signs of a heart attack in women.
Georgette’s story
Georgette, originally from Sudan, talks about the importance of recognising heart attack symptoms in women.
Supreeja’s story
Supreeja, originally from India, advises visiting your GP regularly for Heart Health Checks.
Evrim’s story
Evrim, originally from Turkey, emphasises the importance for women to be more aware of heart disease risk factors and seek help early.
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Do you have a Heart Story to share?
By sharing your heart story, you can help save lives. You can tell others about the warning signs of a heart attack, the importance of a Heart Health Check, or even what it’s like to live with chronic heart disease.
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For professionals: Women and heart disease
These healthcare professional resources aims to address current gaps in knowledge about heart disease in women.
Cardiovascular disease risk factors and heart attack warning signs in women
Information for healthcare professionals and the public on cardiovascular disease risk factors and warning signs affecting women.
Last updated14 July 2025