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Women's heart stories

Heart stories

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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.

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.

Nadine's story

Born with a heart condition, Nadine had surgery at 21. With her cardiologist's support, she navigated pregnancy years later.

Mae smiling, sharing her journey from ARVC diagnosis to becoming a volunteer.
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.

A scan of abdominal aortic aneurysm for Emily's heart stories
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 shares her heart stories with STEMI and heart spasms
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.

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

Man and Woman doing sparkler fireworks
Cardiac arrest at 33: the challenges of restarting your life

Emma shares her cardiac arrest survival story and opens up about her emotional struggles.

picture of smiling bianca beetham sitting on stone besides beach
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.

cara-curans wearing a hat looking at the nature.
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.

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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Two men walking and talking in the park, sharing their experiences of heart health
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Three women enjoying each other's company, sharing laughter under the warm sun.
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Last updated08 July 2025