In a Heartbeat: True Stories and Insights from Experts, Survivors, and Frontline Heroes

by Rachel Jayne Cassidy

‘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.

Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2025

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is immediately obvious when reading In A Heartbeat that it is a labour of love and empathy for the author. Pages brimming with inspiring and uplifting stories, this book is a must-read for everyone – not just those suffering with heart conditions. This is an absolutely amazing resource for those wanting to learn more about the subject, as it features several health professionals with incredible insights and their own stories to tell, alongside those of everyday people and familiar faces such as Greg Page, Greg Evans, and Paul Mercurio – among many others. Being written in an interview-style format makes this an easier and much more accessible read, as I found myself being invested in people’s stories while also learning a lot. I highly recommend it!

[Marisa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to find a book that is successfully educational, interesting, and at times emotional – In a Heartbeat manages to hit all three. While reading, it wasn’t hard to understand why each person sharing their story was given the spotlight; each story gives a voice to a part of heart health that has been asking to be heard, and in highlighting the unexpectedness with which these events occur, made me all the more aware and conscious of my own health, how quickly circumstances can change, and the incomprehensible powers of chance that can determine these outcomes on a whim.
The book will resonate with a wide audience, such as people who have had, or know someone who has had a heart-related incident, health sector workers, or anyone who has an interest in reading uplifting and emotional stories of human survival. The accounts of everyday Australians from all walks of life are sure to appeal to a wide audience, and the format of each chapter as a series of captivating stories makes reading accessible and persistently interesting with each unique voice. I was pleasantly surprised by the range of people included, as the book covers heart attack survivors, health professionals, voices for Indigenous health, and much more. It was amazing to realise how much I didn’t know about the topic despite how common these conditions can be; it makes Rachel Jayne Cassidy’s work all the more important.
In a Heartbeat is an eye-opening read into the realities of heart health and the ever-present – and often unacknowledged – systems that guide survival, support, and healing. A fascinating book that might change the way you think about your own life and how little it can take for it to change forever.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[KURT R.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for anyone with a heart! Rachel Jayne Cassidy has certainly achieved something remarkable here — experiencing a heart event herself and then using that experience to seek out information and stories to inform and inspire the public. Interviews with cardiologists and experts provided some amazing revelations and facts, and most importantly, the stories of everyday people who have survived all kinds of heart health events, as well as famous Australians like Greg Page, Paul Mercurio, and Greg Evans too. My biggest takeaway from the book is that I had so many misconceptions and common assumptions about heart attacks and heart health, but now I know when I’m brushing my teeth or getting ready for bed, I am acutely aware of all that is best to do to ensure my heart is healthy. Rachel Jayne has weaved together so many wonderful and unique stories that I simply could not stop reading. A heartfelt 5 stars!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 20 year old, a heart attack is not something that has ever crossed my mind. I have always associated heart disease with old age or a decline in lifestyle choices. Reading In a Heartbeat, has changed my perspective on heart health and health in general. Hearing stories from everyday people who stepped up in a moment of need inspired me to educate myself more on health. When I was a teenager, I had to call the ambulance a few times for my grandfather who had heart complications, we were lucky, the ambulance came quickly, and the heart events were not lethal. However, I wonder, what would have happened if the heart attacks were far more critical? In a Heartbeat brings light to an important conversation, that we need to be adequately educated in health, not just for ourselves but for our loved ones. This book is filled with research and enlightening stories that are truly eye - opening. This is must-read.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Evie]

In a Heartbeat is a collection of emotional memoirs documenting the experience of
people form all walks of life who came close to or someone they love came close to death
due to a heart episode but miraculously made it through to come out the other side.
The book considers all perspectives and examines causes, prevention and the
ultimate issue of low public education, you can use the book as a tool guide to understand
heart conditions better with a strong sense of the need to act and react helping to potentially
save the life of yourself and others around you.
As you read through every individual story you could be brought to close to tears, but
then you are left hopeful that there are so many people who have been through such
dramatic events and not only survived but thrived and a vast amount of medical
professionals and researchers who continue to work tirelessly to look after patients.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich and emotional read that doesn't hide behind statistics and medical jargon, instead presenting you with real people and their all too real stories of heart health. This book can't help but be a command to take your own health more seriously- diving into the wide scope of cardiac health and hearing about people who know what it's like to have their lives upside down by a heart event. The beauty of this book is in its diversity- from friends, family, doctors, dentists and researchers, In a Heartbeat discusses it all. Rachel Jayne Cassidy's writing is honest, clear and most importantly, from the heart.

[Kate Macleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Simon Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of stories from people who have suffered a Heart event and survived combined with the top medical practitioners in Australia adding their knowledge and experiences is a first to my knowledge. It is a must read for anyone who has experienced a heart condition or anyone who has a love one or friend that has experience a heart event. Not only is it a great read, the information I got out of it really opened my eyes to what we all should be doing in having a better understanding of our heart health.

[Yin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tara Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Emily Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 the cause is clear, and this book will truly revolutionise the way we view heart health. I absolutely recommend!

[Jessica Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit a personal heart-string for me. With so many people in my life dealing with heart issues, In a Heartbeat felt deeply relevant. Rachel Jayne Cassidy’s research is thorough and compelling, and the way she weaves expert insight with survivor stories makes the subject accessible and essential. It’s a wake-up call for all Australians to keep heart health front of mind—because well, in a heartbeat, lives can change. A vital, moving read, highly recommend.

[Kaylah-Joelle Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Jayne Cassidy has carefully crafted real-life experiences with heart attacks in such a way that is insightful and inspiring. In the retelling of such impactful stories stands a great challenge: spreading heart health awareness. But the author does exactly this, and with such care—for both its subject and its reader (which should be everyone with a heart!).

[Caitlin Belcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Australian stories, informative, captivating, and an enjoyable read. It took me far too long to finish due to other commitments, but that doesn’t reflect how much I loved this book.