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 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.
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.
Previously fit and healthy, Jo experienced preeclampsia in both pregnancies and had a heart surgery 12 years later.
Sabine had preeclampsia during her first pregnancy. At the hospital, her blood pressure was dangerously high. This is her story.
At 36, Jen had a SCAD not long after giving birth. Still breastfeeding, she hesitated — but her husband urged her to get help.
Mum of two, Liza, felt pain in her left arm and shoulder before learning she had SCAD.
Born with a heart condition, Nadine had surgery at 21. With her cardiologist's support, she navigated pregnancy years later.
After an unexpected ARVC diagnosis, Mae's life changed. Now, she volunteers to support heart disease research and awareness. Read her story.
Emily overcame an abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection, surviving cardiac arrest and stroke to rebuild her life after heart surgery.
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.
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 talks about Jo’s experience with preeclampsia and her subsequent heart surgery.
When his wife Jacqui collapsed with flu-like symptoms, Tony performed CPR. It helped keep her alive until the ambulance arrived.
Andrew’s daughter Maggie was just 16 when she was diagnosed with myocarditis and pericarditis.
Diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia at 23, Kattie took medicine to slow her heart, then had surgery.
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
Emma shares her cardiac arrest survival story and opens up about her emotional struggles.
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 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.
After losing her father to heart disease, Sylvia reflects on living with grief and the importance of seeking support.
Jacqui survived three cardiac arrests at 43. She shares how it affected her family and her recovery journey.
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 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.
At age 23, Marina experienced pulmonary embolism, a serious vascular condition.
At 35, fit and healthy Margaret had a heart attack. She received treatment and found support for recovery through cardiac rehab.
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.
At 38, Joanne was young, fit and healthy. She was preparing dinner at home when she went into cardiac arrest.
Ann, from Vietnam, urges women to call 000 if you experience any heart attack warning signs. Interpreter services are available when calling 000.
Chharvy, originally from Cambodia, talks about the early warning signs of a heart attack in women.
Georgette, originally from Sudan, talks about the importance of recognising heart attack symptoms in women.
Supreeja, originally from India, advises visiting your GP regularly for Heart Health Checks.
Evrim, originally from Turkey, emphasises the importance for women to be more aware of heart disease risk factors and seek help early.
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.
These healthcare professional resources aims to address current gaps in knowledge about heart disease in women.
Information for healthcare professionals and the public on cardiovascular disease risk factors and warning signs affecting women.
Last updated08 July 2025