Women’s Heart Health Deserves to Be Taken Seriously
StrongHER Hearts provides early cardiovascular screening, education, and advocacy so women can better understand their heart health and take action before problems become serious.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, yet many women struggle to have their symptoms recognized or investigated early.
Many are told they are “too young.” Others are told their symptoms are stress, anxiety, heartburn, or “it’s all just in your head.”
StrongHER Hearts exists to help change that experience.
Research shows women often experience different symptoms and may receive less aggressive investigation than men.
How StrongHER Hearts Came to Life
Several years ago, members of Jim’s own family experienced serious cardiovascular events. Like many women, some of the symptoms were initially dismissed or misunderstood, which raised questions about how easily heart concerns in women can be overlooked.
At the time, these moments still felt like isolated experiences.
Then in early 2024, while teaching community CPR classes, Jim read a message from the Heart and Stroke Foundation encouraging instructors to speak more openly about women’s cardiovascular health. That message prompted him to begin incorporating the topic into class discussions.
What followed was unexpected.
Women in those classes began sharing their own experiences—questions about symptoms, family histories, and moments when they felt unsure whether their concerns had been fully investigated.
As the conversations continued, a few women began asking a simple question:
“Could we check our hearts?”
Those questions eventually led to small gatherings in people’s homes where women could learn together, ask questions, and have their ECGs recorded in a comfortable setting. Someone referred to these gatherings as “heart parties,” and the name quickly stuck.
What began as a few informal conversations quickly spread through friendships, workplaces, and community groups across southern Alberta.
The most important thing that emerged from those gatherings was not simply the screenings themselves—it was the sense that women finally had a place where their questions about heart health could be asked openly and taken seriously.
StrongHER Hearts was created to continue that work: helping women better understand their cardiovascular health, recognize potential warning signs earlier, and feel confident seeking answers when something doesn’t feel right.
Today, StrongHER Hearts continues this mission through community education, cardiovascular screening, and advocacy for women’s heart health.
Cardiovascular Screenings
Quick ECG screenings offered in community settings.
Educational Presentations
Learn about women’s heart health in community talks.
Take the Next Step in Understanding Your Heart Health
Our screenings provide helpful information and greater awareness of your heart health. A simple screening can offer valuable insight and peace of mind.
Screenings are educational and do not replace care from your physician.
Testimonials
Women who attended StrongHER Hearts events shared these reflections.
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Jim gave an engaging and professional presentation that was truly impactful. Through his experience as a Paramedic Fire Fighter responding to medical emergencies, he’s seen the issues women face that could be prevented if we just understood the warning signs. It was inspiring to be empowered by knowledge and lovely to be in a place where I felt safe with my friends to prioritize my health.
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Jim and his organization, StrongHER Hearts, provide a transformative service by bringing critical cardiovascular screening directly to women in a comfortable, supportive environment. His background as a Paramedic helps ensure the information shared is both evidence-based and easy to understand, empowering women to take charge of their health.
By offering private screenings, this initiative helps identify hidden cardiac concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed or be dismissed. Jim’s dedication to closing the gender gap in heart disease research and treatment is truly inspiring and fills an important need within our community.
I am deeply grateful for this proactive approach to wellness and wholeheartedly recommend StrongHER Hearts to any woman who wants to better understand and prioritize her long-term heart health.
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Jim combines medical skill with genuine compassion, and his efforts are making a meaningful difference in people’s lives — including mine.
I had no idea that heart symptoms in women are so often overlooked or misdiagnosed until I spoke with him. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge and advocacy he shared. His dedication to helping women recognize and address these issues is inspiring and long overdue.
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Jim is a true professional whose approach to heart health education empowers women to advocate for themselves.
One colleague attended a session because of some “weird things” she had been experiencing. Thanks to Jim’s guidance and expertise, she was able to pursue the right clinical path and is now receiving the medical care she needed. That early detection is improving her long-term quality of life.
StrongHER Hearts fills an essential need in our community — helping identify potential problems before it’s too late.
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Our school hosted an event with StrongHER Hearts, and the feedback from staff was incredible.
Jim delivered an engaging and informative presentation that felt deeply thoughtful and compassionate. Many staff members had serious concerns about their heart health but didn’t know how to address them. They left feeling heard, reassured, and empowered with valuable insight.
This work is an essential complement to our community’s health.
Contact Us
Interested in working together, learning more, sharing your story, or becoming a community partner?