"Boom-boom! That’s the sound of me working hard to keep you moving, playing, and feeling amazing. Let’s explore the magic of your heart together!"
Harriet the Heart
Welcome to Harriet the Heart’s world—where love and life never stop moving!
Harriet is the heartbeat of the team, always pumping energy, warmth, and kindness to every part of your body.
She’s full of love and ready to remind everyone how important it is to keep moving, playing, and looking after your heart.
With a steady rhythm, she works 24/7 to keep you feeling strong and full of life.
Pumping is her superpower, and she’s excited to take you on a magical adventure inside your own chest!
Meet Harriet!
Harriet is always in motion, never taking a break—because your body depends on her every second of the day! She’s like a tiny but mighty drummer, keeping the beat steady and strong so your blood can keep moving. With every single thump-thump, Harriet is working hard to send oxygen and nutrients zooming through your body, fuelling your muscles, brain, and even your little toes!
But Harriet isn’t just about keeping you going—she’s also about love and excitement! Whenever you feel happy, excited, or even a little nervous, Harriet races faster, making sure your body has the energy to jump, dance, and even give the biggest bear hugs ever!
💓 Did you know? Sometimes, hearts like Harriet need extra help. Some people are born with hearts that don’t pump as strongly as they should, while others may develop heart problems later in life. When this happens, doctors and real-life heroes step in to help—people just like YOU who learn about heart health, donation, and transplants!
❤️ Heart transplants are like giving Harriet a brand-new drum set—strong, steady, and ready to keep the rhythm of life going! A new heart can help someone run, play, and feel full of energy again. Thanks to incredible donors, kids and adults who once had trouble keeping up can go back to doing what they love—whether it's riding their bikes, playing tag with friends, or dancing like nobody's watching!
What Do Hearts Do?
Harriet is like the drumbeat of a great song—keeping a steady rhythm so everything in your body runs smoothly! Boom-boom, thump-thump! She never takes a break, always pumping, always moving, making sure your blood flows through miles and miles of twisty, turny blood vessels. She’s a super-powered delivery driver, zooming oxygen and important nutrients all over your body—straight to your muscles, brain, and even your little toes!
But Harriet isn’t just about keeping things running—she’s also your emotion engine! Ever felt your heart race when you’re excited? Or beat extra fast when you’re nervous? That’s Harriet getting ready for action, making sure you have all the energy you need to jump, dance, hug, and dream big!
💓 But what happens if Harriet isn’t feeling so strong? Sometimes, hearts can get tired or sick, making it harder for people to run, play, and keep up with their favourite activities. Imagine if Harriet couldn’t keep the rhythm steady—things wouldn’t run as smoothly, and even small things like walking up stairs or playing tag could feel really hard.
That’s when some hearts need extra help—and that’s where real-life heroes come in! Some kids and grown-ups might need medicine, treatments, or even a new heart to keep going strong. If a heart becomes too weak to do its job, doctors can replace it with a healthy, donated heart, giving someone a brand-new beat and a second chance at all the fun and adventure life has to offer!
A heart transplant can be life-changing, helping kids go back to school, play their favourite sports, and do all the things they love without getting too tired. With a brand-new, healthy Harriet pumping strong, they can get back to being superheroes in their own way! ❤️
Superpower of Donation
When someone donates their heart, they give another person the ultimate gift—the chance to live, love, and adventure all over again! A heart transplant can be life-changing, turning tired, weak hearts into super-charged powerhouses ready to keep up with every exciting moment.
Imagine trying to race your friends, but your heart just can't keep up, making you feel exhausted after just a few steps. Or picture wanting to dance but feeling too tired to twirl. That’s what life can be like when a heart isn’t working as well as it should. But a brand-new, healthy heart can change everything!
💓 How does it work? Doctors carefully replace a sick heart with a healthy one, giving the recipient a fresh start—like Harriet getting her superhero cape back! Suddenly, she’s ready to beat strong, pump energy, and bring joy again!
And the best part? Once the new heart is in place and working its magic, the changes can be incredible! Kids and adults who once struggled with every step can go back to running, laughing, playing, and chasing their dreams. They can join in on games, go to school without feeling too tired, and even take part in sports or activities they never thought possible before.
A heart transplant isn’t just about fixing a heart—it’s about bringing back adventure, fun, and freedom. It gives kids the energy to explore, play, and dream BIG, just like every superhero should!
Life After Transplant
With a new heart, transplant recipients can go back to doing what they love! Whether it’s climbing trees, playing soccer, or just enjoying time with family and friends, a healthy heart makes all the difference. And that’s all thanks to real-life heroes who choose to donate!
But life after a heart transplant isn’t just about getting back to fun and games—it’s about rediscovering life’s adventures! Kids who once had to sit out of games or rest often can now run, dance, and play without getting too tired. Simple things, like racing their friends at recess, jumping rope, or even riding a bike, become possible again. Imagine going from feeling like a slow turtle to zooming like a race car—that’s the power of a healthy heart!
💓 Returning to School & Work - A heart transplant means more than just play—it means getting back to normal life! Going back to school is an exciting step for kids with new hearts. They can focus on learning, join in class activities, and play with friends without feeling worn out. Some may take things slow at first, but soon, they’re back to raising their hands, running around at lunchtime, and enjoying every school adventure.
For older kids and grown-ups, returning to work and daily activities is a huge milestone. No more sitting on the sidelines—walking, travelling, and even working long days become possible again. People who once had to take lots of breaks can now chase their dreams, start new hobbies, and live life with full energy!
A heart transplant doesn’t just fix a heart—it gives someone a second chance at life, love, and adventure! With every strong beat, Harriet helps kids and adults explore, laugh, and live life to the fullest. ❤️
How Can You Be a Hero?
Even though you may be too young to be a donor now, you can still be a hero in so many ways!
❤️ Learn & Share: Superheroes don’t just wear capes—they spread knowledge! Learning about heart donation and how it helps people live longer, healthier lives is a great way to start. But don’t stop there—share what you’ve learned with your family, friends, and even your teachers! The more people who know about Harriet the Heart, the more heroes we have!
💖 Take Care of Your Own Heart: Want to make Harriet happy? Eat heart-friendly foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains to keep your heart strong. Running, dancing, and playing keep Harriet pumping like a champion! And don’t forget to drink plenty of water—hearts love to stay hydrated!
💬 Start a Conversation: Talking about organ donation might feel like a big topic, but it’s one of the bravest things you can do! Ask your family what they think about it and share what you’ve learned. Conversations like these can help more people understand just how amazing the gift of life is.
💓 Feel Your Own Heartbeat: The next time you’re running in the playground, jumping on a trampoline, or even just laughing really hard, put your hand on your chest and feel Harriet working hard to keep you going! Every beat is a reminder that hearts are strong, full of love, and meant to keep us moving.
Heroes come in all sizes—even pint-sized ones like you! Whether you’re learning, sharing, or taking care of your own heart, you’re already making a difference in the world. And who knows? One day, you might help save someone’s life just by being the hero you already are! ❤️🏆✨
More About Hearts:
Functions and Common Disorders
Functions of the Heart
The Super Pump
Keeping Blood Moving!
Harriet never takes a break—she’s like a powerful pump, pushing blood through a maze of blood vessels all day, every day. She sends energy-packed blood to your muscles, brain, and even your tiny toes, keeping your body strong and full of life!
The Oxygen Express
Delivering Fresh Air!
Harriet works with Lenny the Lungs to collect oxygen and zoom it through your body. She also takes away waste (carbon dioxide) and sends it back to Lenny so you can breathe it out—whoosh! It’s like a high-speed delivery system keeping your body fresh and full of energy!
The Energy Booster
Helping You Move!
Harriet makes sure your muscles have the energy they need to run, jump, and dance like a superstar! Without her, your body would feel slow and tired—like a toy with low battery. But thanks to Harriet, you can keep moving all day long!
Common Heart Disorders
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
When Hearts Are Born Different!
Some hearts, like Harriet, have special differences from birth that need extra care. With the right support, kids with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) can grow up strong, happy, and full of life!
Heart Failure
When Pumping Gets Hard!
Heart failure happens when Harriet gets too tired to pump enough blood, making the body feel weak. Doctors can help her get stronger with medicine, surgery, or even a transplant.
Arrhythmia
When Harriet’s Rhythm Wobbles!
Sometimes, Harriet’s rhythm gets too fast, too slow, or a little offbeat. Special treatments help bring her back to a steady, healthy rhythm so she can keep pumping strong!
Heart Valve Disease
When Valves Need Help!
Heart valves act like tiny doors, opening and closing with each beat. If they don’t work properly, Harriet struggles to move blood smoothly, but doctors can help fix them!
Cardiomyopathy
When Pumping Gets Tough!
If Harriet becomes too weak or stiff, she might find it hard to pump blood the way she should. But with special care, kids with cardiomyopathy can still have strong, happy hearts!
Rheumatic Heart Disease
When Infections Affect the Heart!
A sore throat might not seem like a big deal, but if it’s not treated early, it can cause problems for Harriet later on. That’s why catching infections early keeps hearts happy and strong!
Hypertension
When Blood Pressure Rises!
If the force of blood against Harriet's walls is too high, it can make her work extra hard, leading to wear and tear over time. Regular check-ups and a balanced diet can help keep blood pressure in a healthy range!
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
When Muscles Thicken!
Sometimes, Harriet’s walls can become too thick, making it harder for her to pump blood effectively. This condition can cause tiredness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. With proper medical care, Harriet can keep beating strong!
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
When Arteries Narrow!
Sometimes, the pathways that carry blood to Harriet can become narrow or blocked, making it hard for blood to flow smoothly. This can lead to chest pain or even a heart attack. Eating healthy foods and staying active help keep these pathways clear!
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) Swapped Tubes!
TGA means the big arteries in the heart are switched around, making it tricky for oxygen to get to the body. Surgery helps put them in the right place, so blood can flow properly!
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
A Tiny Heart Window!
VSD is a little hole in the wall between two parts of the heart, letting blood mix in a way it shouldn’t. Sometimes it closes on its own, but if not, doctors can patch it up!
Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF)
A Heart Puzzle!
Some kids are born with four special heart differences that make it harder for blood to carry oxygen. Doctors can help fix the puzzle with surgery, so the heart can pump better!
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Coarctation of the Aorta
A Pinched Pathway!
The aorta, the big blood highway, is too tight, making it hard for blood to flow. Doctors can open it up so blood zooms through easily!
Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) A Blue Clue!
Some heart conditions make it hard to carry oxygen, causing blue lips or fingers. Special treatments and surgeries help get oxygen back where it belongs!
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
An Extra Doorway!
This is another little hole, but in a different part of the heart, letting blood go where it shouldn’t. Doctors can close the doorway to keep the heart working just right!
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Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS)
The Other Side’s Turn!
Like HLHS, but on the right side! The heart needs help to pump blood to the lungs properly, and surgeries help keep everything flowing smoothly.
Pulmonary Atresia
A Missing Path!
The heart’s pathway to the lungs isn’t fully formed, making it tricky to get oxygen. Surgery helps create a new path so breathing becomes easier!
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
A Tiny Sidekick!
The left side of the heart is smaller than it should be, making pumping harder. Doctors can help Harriet the Heart grow stronger with surgeries!
Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
The Extra Shortcut!
A tiny tube that should close after birth stays open, making the heart work extra hard. Medicine or surgery can help shut it down!
Single Ventricle Pathology
Half the Power!
One side of the heart is doing all the work, making it tough to pump blood. Special surgeries help Harriet the Heart share the load!
Pulmonary Valve Disease
A Sticky Valve!
The valve controlling blood flow to the lungs is too tight or doesn’t close properly. Doctors can repair or replace it so Harriet can pump smoothly again!
Mitral Valve Disease
A Leaky or Tight Valve!
The mitral valve might not close properly, making blood flow backward. Special treatments help keep Harriet’s rhythm steady!
Heart Attack
When Harriet Needs a Rescue!
A heart attack happens when one of Harriet the Heart’s blood highways gets blocked, stopping oxygen from reaching part of the heart. Doctors use special treatments to clear the blockage and get Harriet pumping strong again!
Kawasaki Disease (KD) A Fever That Affects the Heart!
KD can make the blood vessels around the heart swollen, making Harriet work harder. Medicine and rest help keep things under control!
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Harriet’s job is to keep your blood pumping and your energy flowing! She’s like a steady drum, beating all day and night to send oxygen and nutrients zooming through your body—helping you run, dance, play, and even feel big emotions like excitement and love! 💖🏃♀️🎶
Remember, taking care of Harriet means eating heart-healthy foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains, staying active, and getting plenty of rest. When you do, Harriet can do her best work—keeping your heart strong, your body full of energy, and your adventures going! ❤️💪✨
Learn More About Your Heart!
Are you ready to dive deeper into the magic of hearts? Click on the logos below to explore more and become a heart health hero today!
Some kids are born with special hearts, and Heart Kids is here to support them! They provide care, community, and knowledge for kids with congenital heart conditions
Want to keep your heart strong and healthy? The Heart Foundation is here to help! They teach kids and families all about heart health, exercise, and ways to keep Harriet beating strong.
Step into the world of heart research! Heart Research Australia is working on new ways to prevent and treat heart disease, making sure every heart, big or small, stays healthy.
Join the mission to make hearts stronger! Australian Heart Research is finding ways to keep hearts like Harriet’s in top shape, helping kids and adults live their best lives.
Meet the scientists working on groundbreaking heart research! The Victor Chang Institute is discovering ways to keep hearts healthy and beat strong for generations to come.
Discover the amazing scientists at HRI who are working hard to unlock the secrets of heart health! Their groundbreaking research helps prevent, treat, and cure heart disease, ensuring stronger hearts for the future
Transplant Australia is all about celebrating second chances! They support heart transplant recipients and even organise the Transplant Games, where transplant recipients show how strong they are.
Thinking about being a hero? DonateLife helps teach kids and families about the power of organ donation, showing how one donated heart can give someone a brand-new chance at life.
Some kids develop Kawasaki Disease, which can affect their hearts, and the Kawasaki Disease Foundation Australia is here to help! They provide support, education, and advocacy for families, ensuring kids receive the right care and early treatment to protect their hearts.