As we gather with our beloved family and friends this Christmas and New Year, please keep the warning signs for heart attacks in the back of your mind because you could save the life of someone you love.

It is easy to believe that heart disease, and heart attacks in particular, won’t happen to us or the people we love when we are fit, young and healthy, but Keith Broadfoot is proof it can happen to anyone.

Keith was only 35, at the peak of his fitness, and had never felt stronger or healthier, when he had a massive heart attack three years ago.

And while Keith survived and has recovered remarkably well, too many others are not so lucky – heart disease is still Australia’s number one killer.

Each year approximately 54,000 Australian’s suffer a heart attack and sadly, around 1 in 6 are fatal.

And when many people in their 30’s and 40’s have young families, it is heartbreaking to imagine the devastation caused when a child loses their mum or dad.

Tragically too many families are facing their first, or another Christmas with someone missing from the table because of the terrible impact that heart disease has on the Australian community.

But by knowing and recognising the symptoms of a heart attack, you could help save someone’s life.

The symptoms of a heart attack can differ from person to person, and are also different for men and women, so it’s important to know both the more common and lesser-known warning signs of a heart attack.

And if you’re out and about this Christmas, or at a function or family gathering, and see someone experiencing any of the symptoms listed here, please call 000 immediately – your quick action could minimise damage to their heart or even save their life.

I hope you might also consider saving lives this Christmas by making a tax-deductible donation.

As you may know, our first-stage research does not attract government funding so we rely on the generosity of wonderful people like you to ensure our researchers can continue their vital work.

Your gift, no matter how large or small, will give heart to future generations, and help keep Australian families together for longer.

Nicci Dent
CEO
Heart Research Australia