‘If you’re having symptoms that don’t feel right, call Triple Zero. If it’s not a heart issue, then that’s OK. No one ever died of embarrassment.’
Author Rachel Jayne Cassidy knows firsthand what it’s like to be on the brink of life and death. After surviving a critical heart attack, she understands the challenges of heart health. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer worldwide, impacting more than 500,000 Australians. Rachel emphasises for the lucky survivors that while recovery takes time, it is crucial to learn how to live and thrive after a heart event.
In a Heartbeat delves into the emotional and physical complexities of dealing with heart disease, sharing real-life, emotionally raw stories that provide insight into the impact of this disease. From survivors to everyday heroes who, by a momentary twist of fate have saved a life, to the health professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to give seriously ill patients a second chance at life. This combination of insightful stories captures the full spectrum of experiences and provides a comprehensive understanding of heart health.
This valuable guide features uplifting, inspiring accounts of human survival against all odds, alongside valuable heart health information from well-recognised cardiologists and health professionals across Australia. Inspiring stories include Strictly Ballroom star turned politician Paul Mercurio, former original yellow Wiggle Greg Page, aspiring First Nations entertainer Warrawatja Bell, little Arlo—the face of the 2023 Royal Children’s Hospital appeal, former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Michael Gunner, and many more.
Rachel Jayne’s journey as a heart attack survivor and heart health advocate provides her with deep personal insights and invaluable knowledge. She is dedicated to ensuring that those who have experienced a heart event find comfort and reassurance in this book, knowing they are not alone. Rachel Jayne hopes this book will spark a potentially lifesaving conversation.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘Rachel Jayne Cassidy’s journey is a remarkable one. From full-time writer and Australian of the Year Finalist to patient recovering from an acute heart event to heart health champion, her natural gift as a storyteller and communicator comes to the fore in this book … this time to deal with the complexities, both emotional and physical, of dealing with heart disease. The result is a significant contribution to an incredibly important issue.’ – David Lloyd, CEO, National Heart Foundation of Australia
‘It is my hope that ‘In a Heartbeat’ will further promote understanding and public awareness of heart disease in all manifestations.’ – Dr Bennett Sheridan MBBS, BMedSci (Hons), FCICM, FRACP, FCSANZ, AFRACMA Paediatric Cardiologist and Intensive Care Specialist
‘A valuable resource for cardiac patients or for the general public to learn more about heart health issues.’ – Associate Professor Paul Gould – Cardiologist
‘A compilation of inspiring stories of heart attack survivors and an insight behind the scenes in the lives of those who are saving lives every day. To my knowledge this type of publication has never been written before in book form in this style in Australia.’ – Greg Evans, acclaimed television host and award winning radio personality
‘Participating in this book, has pushed me to move forward with a positive and inclusive outlook for the future. Having opened up by discussing my life changing experience with Rachel Jayne, she helped me to gain a better understanding of my heart health and “head in the sand” blokey attitude which I now know at times hurt those that I loved and those around me. She took me to a better place.’ – Daryl Dealehr, Heart Attack Survivor, Contributor
Emily –
In A Heartbeat is a must-read for anyone interested in heart health, or is/knows someone who struggles with their heart health. The book includes a plethora of inspiring stories of survival, as well as interesting and educational perspectives on why our hearts behave the way they do. Rachel Jayne’s passion for this cause is clear, and this book will truly revolutionise the way we view heart health. I absolutely recommend!
Sharon Evans –
Sometimes a book finds you – because – you need to read it, now. This was ‘In a Heartbeat’ for me- in a family plagued by heart attacks, TPIs, strokes and only recently discovered issues I found so many answers to questions I didn’t know how to ask.
And let’s be clear – I am a researcher, and I have trailed after heart health information searching for ways to prevent what seems to be inevitable. AND this book, and, Rachel Jayne Cassady and her contributors have provided the whole package.
Stories from survivors, and the people who just by chance happened to be ‘there’, and the array of experts, some in unexpected fields, that have just provided such depth of information, in an easy, I get that and I can do that way. Just like the cover, this book is uplifting.
Grab a copy, and another one or two or more for the people you love. This could be the best Valentine’s gift ever. Love your heart. There is hope and it can start at any time with a little guidance. ‘In a Heartbeat’ definitely has me loving my heart.
Colleen –
I am very happy that I have read this book. I have never experienced a heart issue, or had somone close to me experience one. But now, I feel much more prepared to be able to identify an issue and know what to do. Not only is this book incredibly informative but the author has made it interesting to read with stories from everyday people who have suffered heart issues, as well as medical professionals and their journeys. I would recommend that everyone should read this fascinating book. You won’t regret it.
Yin –
An inspirational read—tugs on your heartstrings
In a Heartbeat goes beyond medical facts. It brings together survivor experiences, stories of lifesaving moments and expert insights from cardiologists and health professionals. Featuring much-loved public figures as well as everyday heroes, In a Heartbeat shares the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of heart health awareness. This book is more than just a guide—it’s a call to action to listen to your body regardless of your age or gender, seek help and embrace life after a heart event. Inspiring and potentially lifesaving, In a Heartbeat is an essential read for everyone.
Christine Rees –
In A Heartbeat is a n easy to read and understand, true capture of heart disease. While most deaths in Australia are caused by cardiovascular disease it is not well reported or covered in media. This is a collection of true accounts from people whose day starts normally but goes very wrong. As a person challenged by heart failure, I found this to be real and educational. This is a great start to educating the public on how to react to someone with a possible cardiac event and of great comfort and support to those of us living with a cardiac challenge. It is not doom and gloom but a real eye opener. Enjoy the read!
Kate –
This book truly opened my eyes to the importance of heart health. As someone young and relatively active, I never thought it was something I needed to worry about. But the powerful—and at times heartbreaking—stories in In a Heartbeat captured my attention and made me aware of one of the most pressing health issues we face. The emotional honesty and depth of the book make it an engaging read, even for someone like me who isn’t well-versed in medical topics. It’s an outstanding book, and I’ll definitely be recommending it to others.
Kate –
In A Heartbeat is a beautiful testament to how unexpectedly and drastically life can change in a single moment. After reading this book, the belief that not only should people be aware and take control of their heart health but should be taught how to respond in these crucial times was only instilled further. After saving my mother from her SCAD heart attack when I was thirteen years old, I realise how beneficial this information would have been to me at the time. Rachel Jayne Cassidy has done a wonderful job at creating a book that combines the very real human reaction from these stories while bringing awareness to the heart of the issues. Kate, VIC
Tara –
In A Heartbeat is an insightful and deeply personal exploration of heart attacks and their aftermath. Rachel Jayne Cassidy combines medical facts with real-life experiences, offering a compassionate and accessible look at what it means to survive and live with the reality of heart complications. Her writing is clear, engaging, and authentic, making complex health topics understandable with personal stories, expert medical insights, and inspirational accounts. This book offers support, knowledge, and it could be lifesaving for those, like myself, who want to become better informed.
Sophie –
When I first began reading In A Heartbeat, I found reading other people’s stories about their heart health events quite raw. However, this is exactly why In A Heartbeat is so important, and a must-read for everyone. As someone who grew up with a mother who was a nurse, I have always considered myself to be quite health-literate and knowledgeable – but there is always more learning to do – and this book has opened my eyes to the unpredictability of heart attacks, and the vast array of heart health conditions that anyone could suffer from. As a woman, it has also educated me on my gendered disadvantage when it comes to heart health, both in the way it can predispose me to certain conditions, but also impact my ability to recover. This book has encouraged me to educate myself better on heart health, not only to understand my own body and risk, but so that I can be there for the people around me in their times of need. I implore anyone who comes across this book to read it.
Alice –
I wasn’t even 20 pages in before I started texting my mum with advice I’d learned from In A Heartbeat! As women in my family suffer from migraines, Judy Wells’ story about perimenopausal SCAD really resonated with me. You don’t need to have a heart issue or know someone who does to appreciate this book. Everyone can gain something from it, and I’m only 22. It’s an important read for everyone, and that’s why it’s so great that it’s written in such a digestible and accessible way. The book features inspiring and uplifting testimonials from people who faced heart complications and overcame them. In A Heartbeat will have you thinking of someone special, and it might just be the help they need!
Ev –
“In A Heartbeat” was enlightening & provided me with an insight into other lives experiencing these health issues.
Once again venturing into a world which is consuming my life allows me to understand we are not alone dealing with these issues either personally or happening to loved ones or people we know about through friends and family members.
Taking life for granted can prove to us all how vulnerable we all are.
The author I understand had a critical heart attack which she survived. She is in great health now thriving.
I encourage and recommend we all read “In A Heartbeat” It assists understanding signs we may choose to ignore.
Nat –
In a Heartbeat by Rachel Jayne Cassidy is an inspiring book that should be read by everyone. With insights about heart conditions from heart attack survivors to heroic doctors and paramedics, this book explores every little detail that you need to know about the human heart. Whether it’s the process of saving someone during a critical heart attack or learning the difference in symptoms that varies from person to person, this book is a must-read to develop a key insight that can help you look after the people you love.
Caitlin –
In A Heartbeat is a well researched, well-rounded and heartwarming (please excuse the pun) exploration into everything heart health. Not only is Rachel Jayne Cassidy’s writing informative and didactic, but her warm and engaging style drew me in from the very first page. As soon as I finished this book, I asked my parents if there had been any heart related illnesses in our family. Thankfully, the answer was no, however, if anything should happen, I now feel much more prepared. Greg Page was correct when he said that “everyone with a heart should read this book”; everyone in the world has a heart and it is our responsibility to look after it. Not only does In A Heartbeat provide a jumping board for anyone interested in heart attacks or cardiac arrest research, Rachel Jayne Cassidy presents vital information that everyone should know; it could save a life, or even your own!
Clara –
As a young woman, this book felt deeply personal. When I was a child, my grandfather was rushed into the ICU after a heart attack, a memory that stayed with me, though I never truly understood what he went through. Reading this, I felt as if I was stepping into his world at sixty, sensing the fear, uncertainty, and quiet strength behind survival. It made me more aware of how heart disease can feel, especially for women whose symptoms are often overlooked. More than anything, it filled me with compassion, for my grandfather, and for everyone living with heart conditions.
Edna –
Having survived a critical heart attack herself, Rachel Jayne Cassidy is uniquely placed to compile the stories of fellow survivors and share their experiences with readers.
Filled with insightful real-life stories, this is not a book you simply read and put aside. It encourages readers to learn, reflect, and appreciate the gift of life because everything can change in an instant.
The brave heart attack survivors who shared their story make the book even more compelling, leaving you in shock as to how fast heart attacks happen; many aren’t lucky enough to survive and share their story. However, this book is full of uplifting and inspiring stories as heart attack survivors share how they made it through to go on to live a happy, fulfilling life.
What struck me most was how unexpectedly life can change. One moment, people were going about their normal lives, and the next, they were facing life-threatening cardiac events that affected not only them but also their families. I was also introduced to conditions such as SCAD through Judy Wells’ story, which made the book both educational and eye-opening.
Health is indeed wealth, and this book should be read and appreciated. As Rachel Jayne Cassidy writes, “Life can change in a heartbeat.”
niki –
As an able-bodied, 21-year-old woman with no health risk that I am aware of, I had thought that this book would not give me anything relevant to my own life. How wrong I was.
Rachel Jayne Cassidy’s In A Heartbeat delves deep into the nooks and crannies of the heart—and the cardiovascular events that threaten it. While a lot of the stories start with trickling symptoms that lead to a heart attack or other major problems, just as many open with people going about their days as usual… until everything changes in a heartbeat.
Bringing it close to home, Rachel Jayne is candid in telling us her own brush with a heart attack. Perhaps it is this personal account that underlines the masterful and empathetic voice that seeps through the stories. The result is a collection of stories with a lot of heart, strung together alongside both leading experts across Australia and ordinary people who have experienced heart issues firsthand.
Through the stories, Rachel Jayne shows moments of resilience in how these people not only thrive after such life-changing events but become dedicated advocates for their communities. The heart is usually shown to be a site of love, and this book gives love a new meaning in loving your heart and community enough to spread the message: of how important it is to be aware of the signs, and the steps everyone can start doing now.
So don’t let the medical subject scare you from reading it. Your heart deserves more love than that.
Beth –
In a Heartbeat is a book that changes how you see the world. Before reading it, heart health was a topic I knew very little about. This book demonstrates with compassion and clarity that it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle.
Rachel Jayne Cassidy is uniquely placed to tell these stories as she begins by bravely sharing her own. This establishes her as a credible and compassionate storyteller, inviting readers into a deeply personal conversation while making clear why this issue deserves our attention.
What makes this book powerful is that it isn’t simply about the people who experience these life-altering events. It’s equally about the families whose lives are forever changed, the bystanders who step in to save a stranger, the healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities involved. There is a story in these pages that will resonate with each reader.
Rachel brings together a diverse range of voices from experts and researchers to survivors, families, and public figures. Each perspective is distinct, authentic, and deeply human, making complex medical concepts accessible without losing the emotional core of the book.
Above all, In a Heartbeat is a compelling reminder that education and prevention can save lives. This book challenges traditional assumptions and demonstrates the many factors that can be involved. The message woven through every story is that knowledge empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Learning first aid, understanding CPR, and recognising the signs of a cardiac event are not skills reserved for healthcare professionals but something that could one day save a loved one.
I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone. Read it, learn from it, then book a first aid course.