Heart attack surviver 'more determined than ever' to live life

Ms Fromberger said after her heart attack, she’s “more determined than ever” to give it a go.

“I decided that I wanted to do the demolition derby, before I had my heart attack,” she said.

Her son, Alex, wanted to get into racing, and Ms Fromberger said was passionate about helping him achieve his dreams.

“I’ll do anything to make it happen for him. It’s something that he really wants to do,” she said.

Because of that, she decided to give the derby a go herself.

In February, however, she had a setback. 

“In early February, I had a massive heart attack. I’m extremely lucky to still be here,” she said.

“But I thought you know what, I’m still going to do it. I don’t want to wrap myself up in cotton wool, lay down, and die. 

“People think I’m an absolute nut for doing it.

“People need to know you can have a heart attack and still go out and live your life.

“To me, it’s not a negative thing. It’s all about the positive. I want to try and get the message out there.

“I’m very passionate about this now, after what’s happened.”

Ms Fromberger said she now wants to help her son achieve his dreams more than ever, as it was Alex who pointed out to her the warning signs that she was having a heart attack.

“He saved my life, and he’s my hero,” she said.

Heart Foundation Tasmania chief executive Graeme Lynch said he met with Ms Fromberger in Launceston.

“It was really interesting that she had no idea that she may be having a heart attack,” Mr Lynch said.

“We all know how dangerous the warning signs can be, and how dangerous heart attacks can be.

“Fortunately, the outcome was good for Leisa.

“If there’s one bottom line for [the Heart Foundation], it’s that people should know what the warning signs are, and if they think they might be having a heart attack, they should call an ambulance.”

Mr Lynch said the most obvious signs were pain and tightness through the chest, neck, jaw, arms, or back, but that people might sometimes just feel sick and nauseous.

“People will often describe combinations of those warning signs,” he said.

“If people don’t feel right or don’t feel normal, and that persists more than 10 minutes after resting, they should dial 000.”

Ms Fromberger’s demolition derby debut will take place at Latrobe Speedway on April 14.