When Laurieton’s Traci Moore two years ago felt occasional tightness in her chest and suffered from fatigue she put it down to the stress of relocating from Sydney’s northern beaches.

“I made the mistake of not realising I had a problem, and that’s despite having a nursing background,” she said.

Following visits to her doctor, Traci was diagnosed with a serious heart condition which saw her undergo double coronary artery bypass surgery.

Through the recuperation process Traci saw the need for more information to be distributed to coronary patients. That’s when she hit on Heart Support Australia’s Port Macquarie branch.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Heart Support Australia was established in Port Macquarie over a decade ago and offers support to people with heart conditions.

“I’m part of a team that regularly visits patients where we can offer support, help and, importantly discuss options to improve your well-being,” she said. “We are also involved in rehabilitation which is vital for recovery.

“There are also weekly walking groups in Port Macquarie and Laurieton that offer support and friendship and encouragement to make the necessary changes to your lifestyle.”

She said the risk factors were similar for men and women, but a woman’s risk of heart disease increases significantly after menopause.

And heart disease kills more than three times as many women as breast cancer, she added.

“Only 30 per cent of women are aware that symptoms of heart attack can include fatigue, nausea, arm pain, jaw pain and or sweating.

“I would encourage everyone – but women particularly – to be aware of the importance of having a healthy heart, as we are the care givers and often put our own needs last.”

Traci says regular exercise, good dietary choices and having regular health checks are also important to managing a healthy heart.

Heart Support Australia is the only national heart support organisation of its kind in Australia. It provides in collaboration with medical practitioners, allied health professionals and organisations, an organised approach to the enhancement of quality of life for the more than two million Australians and their families affected by cardiovascular disease and heart disorders.

For localised information contact Traci Moore on 0423 853 973.