Jen O’Neill had no history of heart problems, nor did anyone in her family, yet by the time she was 42, she had suffered three SCAD heart attacks.
SCAD heart attacks – spontaneous coronary artery dissection – is an emergency condition that occurs when a tear forms in a wall of a heart artery and most commonly affects women in their 40s and 50s, though it can occur at any age and can occur in men.
Like most people who have suffered a SCAD heart attack, O’Neill, of Narara, did not have any risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
“That’s what is so concerning,” she said.
“It’s not like a traditional heart attack, there is no predisposition, it has nothing to do with diet and they don’t know what causes it which is why raising money for research is so important.”
February marks REDFEB, Heart Awareness Month where all Australians are invited to wear red and donate to fund vital research to combat heart disease.
O’Neill was 36 when she suffered her first attack, breastfeeding a new baby with a three-year-old toddler in tow.
The second attack occurred while she was at work in 2020 and two years later, she suffered her third attack.
“Looking back there was probably a bit of stress around, like most women you put yourself last,” she said.
Each attack was a different tear in a different part of her heart.
And each time she was reluctant to call an ambulance.
“Lucky for me my husband is a cop and he has seen people have heart attacks and insisted on calling an ambulance,” she said.
“I said I was fine, and I would just go to bed, but if I had, my cardiologist said I might not have woken up.
“During REDFEB people are asked to wear red to help raise money for research and awareness and to dispel the notion that heart attacks only happen to middle-aged men.
“If you’re having symptoms and signs, don’t dismiss them.
“There is no gold-star way of treating someone who has had a SCAD attack which is why research is so important.”
This year Heart Research Australia is aiming to empower Australians to take charge of their cardiovascular wellbeing without straining their finances.
Regardless of income, prioritising heart health is not just a health imperative but also a wise financial investment.
Heart disease doesn’t discriminate based on income – whether you’re a millionaire or living on a tight budget, taking care of your heart is paramount.
“Heart disease affects two in three Australians and still remains our leading cause of death,” Heart Research Australia CEO Nicci Dent said.
“Prioritising heart health is an investment in your future, both health-wise and financially.
“The financial implications of heart disease are not just limited to medical costs.
“Recovery from heart attacks often leads to lost wages, reduced work capacity, and hindered career advancement, due to the physical and mental effects of the condition.
“Cardiovascular disease affects more than four million Australians and is responsible for one in four deaths.
“Research is undeniably a life-saving endeavour.
“That’s why Heart Research Australia tirelessly supports world-class and emerging researchers in their pursuit of groundbreaking studies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease.”
Heart Research Australia invites all Australians to explore their free online Heart Hub, where you can access a wealth of expert advice on cultivating heart-healthy habits.
The Heart Hub, provides information on mitigating risk factors, optimising your diet, embracing effective exercise routines, and mastering stress reduction techniques.
For more information on REDFEB and to donate, visit: www.heartresearch.com.au
Denice Barnes