.jpg)
Jo's heart story
Joanne had five stents inserted into her heart in her early forties. Fifteen years later she had a triple bypass.
Jo talks about her recovery journey, learning to look after herself and why she no longer makes excuses when it comes to her health.
I'm Joanne and I have genetic high cholesterol. I've got five stents and three years ago I had a triple bypass.
I was a smoker the worst thing you could do when you've got a history of heart disease or you have heart disease. My father had his first heart attack of 52, I was in my 40s.
I found walking upstairs kind of got a little bit breathless. I also was getting pains on my left shoulder radiating down my arm. I thought it was best I go and see a Doctor then a cardiologist. they referred me to a hospital to have an angiogram which showed I had a ninety-seven percent blockage in my left circumflex artery, which is the artery at the back of the heart. Living in a country area I was told “it's only a small artery and it's inaccessible – we’ll treat you with medication.” But I didn't like the sound of that. I was in my early 40s and I thought there's got to be more than this. So I asked my GP to refer me down to Sydney down to the Victor Chang clinic.
I was on my treadmill every afternoon and I was getting a burning sensation in the middle of my chest and I thought “oh I've got trouble with my lungs.” It then got to a stage where I found out every artery in my heart was blocked. I knew I’d better do something about it so the cigarettes went out the window.
The one thing about my family that's concerning for me is the genetic condition. They have been made aware of what can happen because they've seen their mum go through what I have. I’ve realised that I'm not infallible. I realise I've got to look after myself if I want to live this life. I’ve got beautiful children and grandchildren, a loving husband.
Women do have heart disease. It's not just an old man thing. Too many people ignore their symptoms. You know, you always make excuses. Don't make excuses. Do something about it because it may be too late. I'm just very’ very damn lucky it wasn't too late for me.
Support us and help save Australian hearts
Support us and help save Australian hearts
Support us and help save Australian hearts
Join the fight against Australia’s biggest killer by supporting the Heart Foundation. ...
Fundraise to save Australian hearts
Fundraise to save Australian hearts
Fundraise to save Australian hearts
Join our community of fundraisers who are committed to taking action to fight heart disease....
Heart Foundation Recovery Support and Resources
Heart Foundation Recovery Support and Resources
Heart Foundation Recovery Support and Resources
Heart Foundation programs and resources to support your recovery....
Heart Health Check Toolkit
Heart Health Check Toolkit
Trek for Australian Hearts
Trek for Australian Hearts
Trek for Australian Hearts
Join the Heart Foundation in South Australia for the journey of a lifetime, trekking the ancient Flinders Ranges to help save Australian hearts....
Support for young adults: Online events
Support for young adults: Online events
Support for young adults: Online events
A series of virtual events for young adults on managing emotional wellbeing. ...
Personal Walking Plan
Personal Walking Plan
Personal Walking Plan
Feel healthier and happier in six weeks with a free Personal Walking Plan...
Heart Week
Heart Week
Heart Week
Are you at risk of heart disease?
Are you at risk of heart disease?
Are you at risk of heart disease?
There is no single cause for any one heart condition, but there are risk factors that increase your chance of developing one. ...
Aboriginal heart health
Aboriginal heart health
Aboriginal heart health
Visit the St Vincents Hospital NSW and Heart Foundation Aboriginal heart health website for more information...
What is plant-based eating
What is plant-based eating
What is plant-based eating
Learn about plant-based eating and its impact on heart health ...
Baking recipes
Baking recipes
Baking recipes
Find heart healthy baking recipes ...
Australian Heart Maps
Australian Heart Maps
Australian Heart Maps
Our Heart Maps allow you to take a closer look at heart disease indicators across Australia....
What is an arrhythmia?
What is an arrhythmia?
What is an arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia is a fault in the heart’s electrical system, which affects your heart’s pumping rhythm....
Healthy Active by Design
Healthy Active by Design
Healthy Active by Design
Improving the design of our cities, towns, streets and buildings makes it easier for Australians to lead heart-healthy lives....
Your heart is your most important tool
Your heart is your most important tool
Your heart is your most important tool
Men’s Health Week is the perfect time to think about your heart....
Atrial fibrillation resources for patients
Atrial fibrillation resources for patients
Heart attack recovery – quit smoking
Heart attack recovery – quit smoking
Heart attack recovery – quit smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Get the facts on quitting and how it can help you recover. ...
National Action Plan for Heart and Stroke
National Action Plan for Heart and Stroke
National Action Plan for Heart and Stroke
The national heart and stroke action plan aims to identify and prioritise action to reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke....
Absolute CVD risk charts
Absolute CVD risk charts
Absolute CVD risk charts provide a visual tool to calculate CVD risk for use in practice in Australia....
Heart Bypass Surgery
Heart Bypass Surgery
Coronary bypass surgery is a common procedure that can dramatically improve the health of your heart. ...
Driving and travelling after a heart attack
Driving and travelling after a heart attack
Driving and travelling after a heart attack
Explore our guide for driving and heart attack recovery. ...
Staying active for better heart health
Staying active for better heart health
Staying active for better heart health
Moving more every day is one of the best habits you can have....
The Heart Foundation Alumni Program
The Heart Foundation Alumni Program
The Heart Foundation Alumni Program
Stay connected with your research alumni community. ...
What is heart valve disease?
What is heart valve disease?
What is heart valve disease?
Heart valve disease means that your heart valve or valves don't open or close properly....
Heart procedures and devices
Heart procedures and devices
Heart procedures and devices
If you have a heart condition, your doctor may recommend treatment or procedures...
Absolute CVD risk clinical guidelines
Absolute CVD risk clinical guidelines
The Absolute Cardiovascular Disease Risk (CVD) Guidelines helps healthcare professionals identify, prevent and manage a person's risk of developing CVD. ...
Building physical activity into urban planning and design
Building physical activity into urban planning and design
Building physical activity into urban planning and design
Resources available for built environment professionals to help guide in the development of active outdoor and indoor spaces....
Know your risk: Family history and heart disease
Know your risk: Family history and heart disease
Know your risk: Family history and heart disease
A family history of heart disease could mean you are at greater risk....
What is a cardiac arrest?
What is a cardiac arrest?
What is a cardiac arrest?
With immediate help a cardiac arrest can be survived. Learn how to save a life....