Justine Carter, a 33-year-old mother from Santaquin, Utah, woke up feeling tired and blah in early May. She hopped on her treadmill hoping to boost her mood with some cardio but soon felt extremely nauseated. She ended up vomiting violently and losing consciousness, prompting her 4-year-old son to call for help. Justine later found out that she had suffered a heart attack due to a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a tear in the layers of an artery that can block blood flow to the heart. Her mother-in-law, a nurse, rushed over to provide CPR, likely saving her life.
Justine had felt rundown that morning but believed the overcast, cold weather was affecting her mood. She decided to exercise on her treadmill while chatting with her sister online, but within minutes, she felt overwhelmingly nauseated and thought she had a stomach bug. She called her husband for help but soon lost the ability to speak coherently. Her mother-in-law, Teresa, who was also on the call, realized the seriousness of the situation and quickly came over to help. Justine was taken to the hospital, where doctors discovered she had experienced a heart attack due to SCAD, a rare condition that can be life-threatening.
After a few days in a medically induced coma, Justine woke up with fears of potential brain damage. Fortunately, she showed signs of recovery when asked simple questions by doctors. She was eventually discharged from the hospital but suffered a second heart attack the next day, requiring open-heart surgery. Doctors implanted a heart pump to assist her heart in pumping blood and allow it time to heal. Justine’s recovery was slow, but she was grateful for the care she received and the support of her family.
SCAD is a rare condition that can affect seemingly healthy women without heart disease, often occurring randomly. Symptoms can mimic those of a heart attack, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, and nausea. Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial for prompt medical intervention. Justine’s experience highlighted the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking help when something feels wrong. She emphasized the need for women to advocate for themselves and not be dismissed when expressing concerns about their health.
After returning home, Justine began cardiac rehabilitation and regular check-ups with her cardiologist. She adapted her lifestyle to accommodate her heart condition, focusing on low-impact activities like walking. Justine’s experience serves as a reminder for others to prioritize their health, listen to their bodies, and seek medical attention if something doesn’t feel right. She credits her survival to the quick actions of her mother-in-law and urges others to learn CPR to potentially save a life in a similar situation. Justine’s gratitude for her recovery shines through her resilience and determination to make the most of her second chance at life.
