‘Like an atomic bomb in my head’: New podcast episode talks heart health

It was a typically busy day in Westmead Hospital’s emergency department when administration officer Elizabeth Rasmussen suddenly felt severely unwell.

“It was like an atomic bomb was going to go off in my head, there was just nothing like it,” she said.

A quick check from a colleague revealed her blood pressure was through the roof, prompting an urgent visit to her GP and follow-up care from powerhouse Westmead Hospital cardiologist Professor Clara Chow.

Elizabeth and Prof Chow both join us on the latest episode of Western Sydney Health Check for an episode exploring all things heart health.

Prof Chow talks about the latest cutting-edge research taking place at Westmead Hospital, and why western Sydney has higher rates of heart disease, while Elizabeth shares her own treatment journey and the healthy changes she’s made.

The 26-year veteran of emergency administration also shares the special bond she has with Westmead Hospital through her daughter, who was born prematurely and spent time in neonatal intensive care.

Check out the episode here or wherever you get your podcasts, and catch up on previous episodes – including a bedside chat with a 76-year-old heart patient.