Jenny

Heart attack

A very public heart attack

Dame Jenny Shipley was living a life of public service when she experienced her heart attack, which added extra pressure to her recovery. Watch her share the key learning that she believes takes you halfway to recovery.

"I, having been health minister for heaven’s sake, initially stalled calling a doctor even though I was having a heart attack. My message to you is if you see or experience that, don't wait." 

Dame Jenny Shipley's heart attack came at a time when she had the added pressures of public life. Angioplasty was able to clear the blockage, she says, "but it was a huge trauma." 

"I had to choose whether it would control me, or if I would try and take control. I had great help and support, but it was a personal journey." 

"It was a learning for me, and it made a big difference, that if in your mind you decide to live with and learn from and then beat heart disease, you're halfway to recovery."

Shared May 2017