Swiss surgeon reclaims world record with 3,200 heart-shaped objects

Swiss surgeon reclaims Guinness record with 3,200 heart-shaped objects after losing it in 2024 (Image Credit: Guinness World Records)For most people, a heart-shaped object might be a decoration, a piece of jewellery or a symbol of affection. For Swiss heart surgeon Diana Reser, however, it has become a lifelong passion that has filled her home and workplace with thousands of objects. From everyday household products to unusual artwork and souvenirs, her collection reflects both her medical profession and her fascination with the heart as a symbol of love and life.Reser has reclaimed the Guinness World Records title for the largest collection of heart-shaped items, with 3,200 objects officially counted on April 13, 2026, in Zollikon, Switzerland. According to a November 10 report published by Guinness World Records, she first secured the title in 2010 with 775 items but lost it in 2024 to American collector Susan West, whose collection contained 1,560 pieces. After continuing to collect for several more years, Reser has now more than doubled her previous record.Collection began when she was a medical studentReser's interest in heart-shaped objects began approximately 25 years ago, when she was studying medicine. After completing an internship in heart surgery, she decided to pursue the speciality as her profession. As news of her career ambitions spread, family members, friends and colleagues began giving her heart-shaped presents. The gifts gradually developed into a much larger collection, with new additions arriving even after she became a practising surgeon.Speaking to Guinness World Records, Reser explained how the gifts became a regular part of her life. "From that moment on when word spread about my dream job I received heart-shaped presents which goes on until today," she said. She eventually organised and categorised all 3,200 objects for the latest record attempt. Around half of the collection consists of gifts, while she has purchased many of the remaining pieces during her travels around the world.From household products to unusual keepsakesThe collection includes an extraordinary variety of objects, ranging from practical household items to decorative pieces and personal accessories. There are heart-shaped solar lights, car air fresheners, hair accessories, perfumes, soaps, jewellery and clothing. Her collection also includes artwork, ornaments and objects displayed throughout her home and office. She even has six heart tattoos.Describing the range of items to Guinness World Records, Reser said: "You name it, I have it. Basically everything you can use in your everyday life." Among the more unusual pieces are a heart-shaped Rubik's cube, a fully functioning stethoscope and a piece of the Berlin Wall. Two paintings are particularly special to her: a colourful Picasso-style artwork depicting three women holding a heart and a painting of a barn owl with a heart-shaped face, created by her sister.Despite having thousands of similar objects, Reser welcomes new additions. She told Guinness World Records that she cannot control what people choose to give her as presents and appreciates every new piece, even when she already owns something similar.Surgeon connects collection with heart health awarenessFor Reser, the fascination goes beyond collecting decorative objects. Her medical career and the symbolism associated with the heart are closely connected to her interest. She described the heart as a universal symbol of love, life and the soul. She also gave her growing fascination a name, calling it "heart-itis". She explained that once people begin consciously noticing heart shapes around them, they continue spotting them everywhere.Reser was also the first female heart surgeon to receive a professor title from a Swiss university, according to Guinness World Records. She has dedicated her collection to her family, friends, colleagues and patients who have contributed to it over the years. She also uses the recognition to encourage greater awareness of cardiovascular health. She recommended heart check-ups by the age of 50, or earlier for people with a family history of heart conditions. She also encouraged patients who need planned heart surgery not to be afraid of the procedure.A broken heart-shaped shower remains on her wish listEven with 3,200 objects, Reser still has items she hopes to find. One is the Heart of Eternity, a rare 27.64-carat blue heart-shaped diamond. However, her more immediate search involves a much simpler household object. She once owned a heart-shaped shower head, but it broke after falling, and she has been unable to find another one. She appealed to anyone who might come across one to let her know.Looking back at her record-breaking journey, Reser told Guinness World Records that she never really felt she had lost the title in 2024 because she believed her collection was already larger. She simply had not completed another official count. Her first record lasted 14 years. Now, she is curious to see how long her latest achievement will stand, joking that if it lasts longer, she will probably be retired by then.