Amber by Living Gems homeowners are the founding members of a new charity, Heart Health Queensland, which is giving heart attack survivors and their carers a new lease on life.

The charity, which was established in February 2024 by Amber by Living Gems homeowners Adrian and Lyn Lee-Archer, with the support of Amber residents, is providing valuable support services to members and the public.

“For people who have suffered a heart event, it’s a trying time for them and their carers, so we provide ongoing support, education, and encouragement,” Adrian said.

“With so much information being given to them at the hospital, and medications to take, it gets very confusing. While we can’t give medical advice, we are able to help raise awareness and explain things in a way that is easier to understand.

“We help with rehabilitation programs after surgery, help hospitals fundraise for equipment, and we speak to any interested groups, such as over-50s resorts, retirement villages, Rotary, Apex, Lions, and Probus Clubs.

“Subjects we speak on might include heart-healthy lifestyles, the difference between male and female heart attacks and the warning signs, the difference between heart attacks and a sudden cardiac arrest, as well as the use of defibrillators and providing first aid.

“We also organise guest speakers too.”

Heart Health Queensland is modelled on Heart Health NSW which was established in 2018 after the demise of Heart Support Australia (HSA) in the region. Adrian and two other members were asked if they could set up a new not-for-profit organisation in NSW.

When Adrian and Lyn moved to Queensland in 2021, they were passionate about establishing a similar organisation here.

After three years, and support from the residents at Amber, the new organisation was founded. There was a lot of paperwork involved in getting insurances, registration, and volunteers trained, but it has been well worth it, they said.

“We now have a group of approximately 40 residents from Amber involved in the group, and we invite anyone interested from across Queensland to become a member,” said Adrian.

“Our group from Amber meets for walks each week. And after our walks on Sunday, we’ll have a tea and coffee.

“We don’t just talk about heart health. Just like everyone everywhere who gets together, we also attempt to solve the problems of the world!”

Adrian himself is a heart attack survivor. He suffered a heart attack in late 2017, and emergency heart surgery to insert three stents that saved his life.

With International Heart Day on Sunday, 29 September, Adrian answered some questions to help fellow Queenslanders learn more about heart conditions:

Why is support so crucial for heart attack survivors and their carers?

A social network helps people live a fulfilled life after having a major health issue. One of the biggest problems people have after a heart issue, is the attitude of ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘I’m too scared to do that now’, and it leads to social isolation, and then depression from the stress or anxiety. Even their tastebuds can change, so enjoyment they once had from certain foods isn’t the same.

By finding a support group, they can talk to people who have been through it and can help them through the tough times.

Carers are often the people that call the ambulance and are there for the person in their time of need, and to provide ongoing support. They too need to feel supported after such a traumatic experience in their lives.

What is the difference between a male and female heart attack?

About 20 women a day die in Australia due to coronary heart disease, which is a horrible statistic, and it is higher than breast cancer. More awareness is needed about female heart attacks, which often occur due to a gradual narrowing of the veins and arteries. Oestrogen is a natural blood thinner, but after menopause it reduces. Unlike the sudden type of heart attacks that result in a crushing chest pain, a more subtle heart attack might come with symptoms of back aches, jaw aches, and nausea, which can often be pushed aside or dismissed as feeling a bit off.

What is the difference between a heart attack and a sudden cardiac arrest?

A heart attack is more like a plumbing problem – there’s a gradual blocking of the arteries and the blood is flowing to a lesser degree. You are fully conscious throughout the heart attack, whereas a sudden cardiac arrest is more like an electrical problem, where the pulses that keep the heart pumping just stop, as if they short circuit. The person goes down like a sack of potatoes and doesn’t have a pulse. That’s when CPR and a defibrillator is needed immediately.

How much does it cost to join Heart Health Queensland?

Become a member of Heart Health Queensland for only $10 a year.

Can you make a donation to the charity?

Adrian, Lyn and other members of the charity travel a lot to give talks, and self-fund many of these trips. Donations over $2 are tax deductable. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Adrian or Lyn on 0431 820 185.

“We are appreciative of any donations to help us continue our work,” said Adrian.

Join or learn more about Heart Health Queensland

Remember too, that the heart is a muscle that needs exercise, so take your heart for a walk every day!