Hailey Bieber is speaking candidly about the medical emergency that reshaped her life and sharpened her focus on health, wellness, and beauty innovation. The model and entrepreneur recently appeared on Jake Shane’s “Therapuss” podcast, where she shared how surviving a mini stroke and undergoing heart surgery transformed the way she views her body and the medical field.
“I am just so fascinated with the body and medicine and doctors. And I love it,” Hailey said during the interview, offering a glimpse into how deeply the experience affected her outlook.
© Getty ImagesHailey Bieber reflects on her mini stroke and heart defect surgery, revealing how the experience reshaped her health mindset and inspired Rhode skincare.
Now 29, Hailey shares 17-month-old son Jack Blues with husband Justin Bieber. While she balances motherhood, modeling, and running her skincare brand Rhode, her health remains a priority shaped by what she calls a “crazy medical situation.”
The Mini Stroke That Sparked a New Awareness
Back in March 2022, Hailey was hospitalized after experiencing stroke-like symptoms. Doctors later determined she had suffered a transient ischemic attack, commonly known as a mini stroke. A transient ischemic attack happens when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly blocked, causing temporary symptoms similar to a stroke.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupHailey Bieber is speaking candidly about the medical emergency that reshaped her life and sharpened her focus on health, wellness, and beauty innovation.
“A couple of years ago, I had a crazy medical situation. I had a mini stroke. Then I found that I had this heart defect that I was born with, so I had to get surgery for it, which sounds really crazy, but they went through my groin, and I was in and out of the hospital the same day,” she explained.
Following further testing, doctors discovered she had a patent foramen ovale, often abbreviated as PFO. A PFO is a small hole between the upper chambers of the heart that fails to close naturally after birth. While many people live with it unknowingly, in some cases, it can increase the risk of stroke.
© Getty Images for The Recording AFollowing further testing, doctors discovered she had a patent foramen ovale, often abbreviated as PFO.
Hailey underwent a minimally invasive PFO closure procedure to seal the opening. The surgery, she previously shared, went “very smoothly.” The device used in this type of procedure is delivered through a catheter inserted in the groin, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery and typically allowing patients to go home the same day.
Becoming “Hyper-Aware” of Her Health
The aftermath of her health scare left a lasting psychological impact. Hailey admitted that the experience made her more vigilant about her body. “That situation made me a little bit extra hyper-aware of my body and a little bit more nervous about things and staying on top of them. But I’ve just always been really focused and fascinated on health,” she said.
Being “hyper-aware” after a medical emergency is common. When the body signals vulnerability, many people shift into heightened attentiveness, tracking symptoms, prioritizing preventative care, and asking more questions during doctor visits. For Hailey, that awareness did not turn into fear-driven avoidance. Instead, it evolved into curiosity.
© @haileybieberJustin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin are closer than ever after their health scares
Her fascination with medicine deepened. She began to see her health journey not just as a frightening chapter, but as a turning point that reshaped her identity.
How Her Health Journey Inspired Rhode Skincare
Hailey credits her medical experience as a catalyst behind launching her beauty brand, Rhode. The skincare line, known for its minimalist formulations and barrier-focused products, reflects her science-driven mindset. “It was also kind of what led me to want to [start my beauty company], Rhode. My obsession with skincare also comes from my obsession with medicine,” she said.
The connection between medicine and skincare may not be obvious at first glance. But modern skincare is deeply rooted in dermatological science, clinical research, and barrier repair biology. Ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid are grounded in medical research, not just beauty trends.
© RhodeHailey credits her medical experience as a catalyst behind launching her beauty brand, Rhode.
Hailey’s perspective highlights a broader shift in the beauty industry. Consumers increasingly want clinically backed products, transparent formulations, and education about how ingredients interact with the skin. Her story aligns with that movement, blending wellness, science, and beauty entrepreneurship.
Motherhood, Resilience, and Moving Forward
As a mother to Jack Blues Bieber, Hailey’s experience likely carries even greater emotional weight. Surviving a health scare in your twenties forces a confrontation with vulnerability. It also reframes priorities.
Her openness adds to a growing list of celebrities discussing health challenges publicly, helping to normalize conversations about stroke awareness, congenital heart defects, and preventative care. Mini strokes are often dismissed or misinterpreted, particularly in young women, making early recognition and treatment critical.
© WireImageHer story aligns with that movement, blending wellness, science, and beauty entrepreneurship.
Her experience serves as a reminder that even unexpected medical events can redirect purpose. For Hailey Bieber, a frightening diagnosis ultimately deepened her appreciation for medicine and fueled her commitment to building a beauty brand grounded in science.