But nine years ago the Croydon mother of two woke to sharp pains shooting across her chest and "a pins and needles like feeling'' down her arms.

She had suffered a heart attack at age 37.

"It was a bolt out of the blue. I was asleep in bed and woke up with immense pain in my chest and arm. I was nauseous and sweating.''

Mrs Gould said there were no contributing factors to her health scare.

"It was such a scary episode, absolutely terrible. I never thought something that serious could happen to me. I am a non-smoker, not overweight and didn't have high blood pressure - there was nothing to say I was going to have a heart attack.''

As part of Heart Foundation's campaign, Mrs Gould is calling on women to get regular check-ups and take note of their health.

She said while heart disease in women was common, many women were unaware of the risks. "It's really important that women are aware that it can happen to anyone.

"While I'm well now, I know the risks and I have taken steps to ensure it won't happen again.''

Heart Foundation chief executive officer Kathy Bell said women were still unaware that heart disease could become a reality.

"It is still widely believed that heart disease is typically an old man's disease. In fact, only 3 per cent of Australians are aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women.''

Ms Bell said heart disease affected four times as many women as breast cancer.

"The campaign will help women understand their risks of heart disease so they can take the appropriate action and help us raise vital funds for this health issue.''

Go Red for Women campaign will be held on June 13. Details go to www.goredforwomen.org.au or call 1300 550 282.