“At 41, I had a heart attack"
Kieran’s story
Kieran Bush felt fitter and healthier than ever. He had lost weight, was feeling good about himself, and friends and family were even commenting on how well he looked. Then, unexpectedly, he suffered a heart attack heart that changed the course of his life. His experience was a powerful reminder that heart disease doesn't always look the way people expect and can affect anyone. It left him with a renewed appreciation for what matters most, and a deep gratitude for modern medicine, the support of those around him, and the chance to keep moving forward.
Kieran helps other First Nations people access the care and support they need to stay heart healthy through his work with the Menzies School of Health Research. Drawing on his own lived experience, he is passionate about helping others better understand their health and feel empowered to seek support when they need it most.
When his body told him something wasn't right
At 41, Kieran was on a health kick, had lost weight and was feeling fit. But one evening, he simply thought he was hungry before a sudden wave of exhaustion, nausea and sweating left him with an overwhelming sense that something was wrong. He trusted his instincts and called his neighbour for help.
Doctors later confirmed Kieran had experienced a heart attack caused by a blocked artery, which was treated with a stent. Reflecting on the experience, he hopes his story encourages others to seek help when something doesn't feel right.
I never thought a heart attack would look like this. No dramatic collapse or crushing chest pain. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to trust your body when it tells you something is wrong, and to ask for help, even when you don’t want to.
Kieran Bush
First Nations heart health
Heart disease can affect anyone, but First Nations peoples experience a greater burden of heart disease and are more likely to develop it at a younger age. Early detection, access to care and ongoing support can play an important role in preventing heart disease and improving long-term health outcomes.
The Heart Foundation works alongside First Nations communities and organisations to support culturally appropriate, community-led programs that promote heart health, encourage early action and help people access the care they need. Together, these efforts aim to reduce the impact of heart disease and support healthier futures for First Nations peoples.
More information on First Nations heart health
Menzies School of Health Research
Advancing First Nations and tropical health research to create healthier futures.
Supporting Health for Every Heart
Learn more about how we work alongside First Nations peoples to strengthen access to culturally appropriate heart health information and support.
Explore heart health resources
Access free resources, videos and fact sheets created with and for First Nations people, families and communities.
In this advertisement, 'heart disease' is used as a general term for all cardiovascular disease. Statistics are compiled by the Heart Foundation based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Causes of Death, Australia.
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In this advertisement, 'heart disease' is used as a general term for all cardiovascular disease. Statistics are compiled by the Heart Foundation based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Causes of Death, Australia.