Women Against Heart Disease Fundraising Lunch, Sydney 2023

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute’s annual Women Against Heart Disease Lunch once again reminded attendees that heart disease remains the biggest killer of Australian women.

But the event held at the Establishment Ballroom also provided hope for a better future thanks to pioneering work taking place within the Institute and armed guests with heart-healthy tips everyone can practice.

They also heard from our wonderful keynote speaker Victoria Macarthur-Stanham who relived the night when she had a sudden cardiac arrest and was kept alive by her husband Tim.

With her mother Edwina and husband Tim in the room, there was barely a dry eye in the house as Victoria recalled her incredible survival story and relayed how the Institute’s new electrical screening test is helping to protect her family.

The Institute’s Director Professor Jason Kovacic also updated the audience on research taking place into spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD).

In a Q and A moderated by MC Laura Jayes from Sky News, Professor Kovacic reminded the audience of heart-healthy hacks – including eating well, exercising daily, undergoing heart health checks, and getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Swapping normal salt for potassium-enriched salt was also a well-received tip.

The Victor Chang Heart Health Team was also there to provide free cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure tests.

A big thanks to everyone who attended, including Sister Anthea Groves who gave grace, and to the generous sponsors who provided beautiful raffle prizes and gifts - Cockatoo Grove, Park Hyatt Sydney, Carla Zampatti, Margaret, Bidinis, Mark the Florist, and Pilu at Freshwater- our immense gratitude, we honestly couldn’t do this event without you.