“I lost my dad to a heart attack”
Taylor’s story
Tay Smith is a rising AFLW player whose passion for the game is matched by her commitment to making a meaningful impact off the field. After losing her father to a sudden heart attack in 2021, she’s been inspired to use her platform in sport to start important conversations about heart health.
Driven by personal experience and a strong belief in healthy living, Tay wants to help others understand that heart disease can affect anyone. She is passionate about encouraging people to take proactive steps to protect their health, for themselves and the people they love.
A loss that inspired life-saving action
At just 21 years old, Tay's world changed forever when she lost her father to a sudden heart attack. They shared a passion for healthy, active living and because he had shown no symptoms, his heart attack came as a shock.
This profound personal loss also encouraged Tay's aunty to learn more about her heart health, leading to surgery and stents to reduce her risk of a heart attack. Tay believes her dad helped save her aunty's life and hopes it encourages others to take preventive action.
“Don’t wait until you’re older to think it’s going to affect you. Be proactive, take action now and start looking after your heart health."
Heart attacks can happen without warning
A heart attack is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. Often caused by a build-up of plaque in the arteries, heart attacks can affect anyone.
While chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom of a heart attack, other warning signs, such as shortness of breath or nausea, can be mild, overlooked or mistaken for something less serious.
Understanding your risk, recognising the warning signs and having regular Heart Health Checks can help you take positive steps towards protecting your heart.
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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.