"I was told it was anxiety. I knew it was my heart." — Gwen Brett

A Race Against the Heart: Gwen Brett’s Fight for Diagnosis

Gwen Brett, a resident of Bathurst, New South Wales, began experiencing a series of cardiac events in spring 2023. What started as alarming symptoms would lead to a grueling diagnostic odyssey, a cardiac arrest, and ultimately, a life-changing diagnosis.

The First Warning Signs

Ms. Brett suffered from chest tightness, shortness of breath, and jaw pain. These episodes led to multiple hospitalizations.

An initial angiogram revealed an 80% blockage in the right artery, and a stent was placed. However, the relief was temporary. Subsequent episodes of severe pain followed, with tests often returning inconclusive results.

A Cascade of Misdiagnoses

As her symptoms persisted, doctors offered a range of potential diagnoses, including Dressler syndrome, MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries), and takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome).

The turning point came in 2023. Ms. Brett suffered a full cardiac arrest, coinciding with the town’s famous Bathurst 1000 race. She was resuscitated on the scene by a paramedic.

The Puzzle of the Angiograms

A critical piece of the puzzle emerged when her medical team reviewed contrasting angiograms. While one showed an 80% blockage, another read only 30%. This discrepancy strongly suggested a non-obstructive cause.

To confirm the suspicion, doctors performed an acetylcholine challenge. The test was definitive: it confirmed MINOCA and Ischemia with No Obstructive Coronary Arteries (INOCA), linked directly to vasospastic angina.

A New Protocol and a New Life

To manage her condition and prevent another arrest, Ms. Brett received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

Central to her journey was her general practitioner, Dr. Marcus Hayward, who provided ongoing support, validation, and critical referrals. He connected her with cardiologist Professor Tom Ford, who developed a specialized emergency protocol for her unique condition.

"Having a doctor who believed me was the difference between surviving and suffering."

Beyond the Patient

Today, Ms. Brett participates in cardiac rehabilitation programs. She has become a vocal advocate, working to raise awareness for INOCA and MINOCA—conditions that often go undiagnosed in women.

"I want other women to know: if you feel something is wrong, keep fighting for an answer. It could save your life."