The Adelaide Crows and the National Heart Foundation of Australia are working together to save lives by raising the awareness of heart attacks.

The inaugural partnership, launched at this weekend’s game between the Crows and Fremantle, is encouraging Australians to learn the warning signs of a heart attack today at heartattackfacts.org.au.

Dr Amanda Rischbieth, CEO of the Heart Foundation said: “Around 55,000 Aussies had a heart attack last year - that’s one person every 10 minutes or the equivalent of AAMI Stadium packed to the rafters”.

“Heart attacks can happen at any time, which is why we’re asking Crows supporters to learn the warning signs so they know what to do if it happens to their mate,” she said.

This is a cause close to AFC’s heart as the Club’s previous Property Steward, Rex Leahy, suffered a severe heart attack on a team flight to Sydney 10 years ago.

A week before the trip, Rex wasn’t feeling well but several tests indicated he was in tip-top shape. 

On the way to the airport (a week later), Rex began feeling unwell and things turned pear shaped during the plane ride, 45 minutes away from Sydney airport.

“I really wasn’t feeling well on the plane and broke out in a sweat… I didn’t have severe pains but I did have some (chest) tightness,” he said.

“Fortunately the late Dr Brian Sando was seated opposite me and he looked after me until we arrived in Sydney.  I have no doubt, he saved my life.”

The Heart Foundation want people to be aware that heart attack warning signs aren’t always what you think - symptoms are not necessarily sudden or severe and some people don’t experience chest pain at all.

“Be a real mate and learn the warning signs today at heartattackfacts.org.au - it could save their life or even your own,” Dr Rischbieth said.

Heart attack is one of the leading causes of death in Australia.

If you’re an Aussie man over 40, your chance of having a heart attack by the age of 70 is one in two, and for women it’s one in three.

Rex encourages calling Triple Zero if you think you might be suffering an attack. “If you suspect yourself or anyone else of having a heart attack - just call Triple Zero (000).  Best case scenario would be a false alarm, worst case is risking death”.

Learn the warning signs today so that you can recognise the symptoms of a heart attack and act quickly.

Heart attack warning signs may include pain, pressure, heaviness or tightness in one or more parts of the upper body (chest, neck, jaw, arm(s), shoulder(s) or back) in combination with other symptoms of nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness or a cold sweat.

For more information visit heartattackfacts.org.au or call our Health Information Service on 1300 36 27 87.

Keep an eye out for the Heart Foundation’s volunteers on the gates this weekend.  They will be giving away free thunder sticks and cards to help learn the facts.