Heart Talk with Hillary
After surviving acute heart failure at just 33 years old, I felt incredibly alone in my recovery. I had never met anyone living with heart failure—let alone someone close to my age. As I began sharing my story publicly and on social media, I discovered something I never expected: a community of people whose lives had also been touched by heart failure.
Some were survivors who had walked this path years before me. Some had received heart transplants. Others were family members supporting loved ones through hospitalization and recovery. Connecting with these individuals was both healing and inspiring. It reminded me that none of us are truly alone, even in life's most difficult circumstances.
I created this podcast to help others find that same sense of connection, hope, and community. Through conversations with heart failure survivors, caregivers, cardiologists, and heart failure specialists, my goal is to share stories that educate, encourage, and remind listeners that there is life beyond a diagnosis.
Whether you are a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply someone wanting to learn more, I hope this podcast introduces you to an incredible community of resilient, courageous people. I also hope it helps raise awareness about heart failure and the many ways it impacts individuals and families around the world.
Thank you for being here and for being part of this journey.
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding questions or concerns about your own health or medical care.
To follow my heart failure advocacy and recovery journey, find me on Instagram @hillarysheart. For questions, comments, speaking opportunities, media inquiries, or collaboration requests, please contact me via email: hillary@hillarysheart.com.
Heart Talk with Hillary
Tara Benoit - SCAD
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In today’s episode you will hear from an incredible woman named Tara Benoit. Tara is a former fitness competitor who was in the greatest shape of her life when she suffered the unexpected, a SCAD heart attack. SCAD stands for Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and has also been dubbed the healthy woman’s heart attack. I previously interviewed another SCAD survivor in April of 2024 named Marcie Westwater so if you’d like to hear another story on SCAD please go back and listen to that one as well.
In this conversation you will hear what it was like for Tara to have to advocate and fight for help when doctors initially brushed off her symptoms. This is an all too common theme and reoccurrence for women with heart attack and heart failure symptoms. And this is exactly why Tara is sharing her story.
Tara’s experience and survival sparked a new mission. She’s now a speaker, author, and advocate, using her voice to raise awareness about women’s heart health and to empower others who’ve faced a similar life-changing diagnosis.
In our conversation today, Tara opens up about what it was like to experience a SCAD heart attack, the road to recovery — both physically and emotionally — and how she’s turned her pain into purpose.
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Purchase Tara's new book, Torn Heart on Amazon by clicking here!
Follow Tara's Journey on Instagram: @tarabenoitinspires
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TODAY IS A GIFT!
DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com
For Speaking Inquiries please click here: Speaker Inquiry Form