I consider myself fortunate. In 2021, I suffered a heart attack while dancing in a crowded ballroom. Engaged in a West Coast swing routine, my existence hung in the balance until the swift actions of three exceptional individuals intervened.
Reflecting back, my cholesterol levels were first assessed at 25 and registered a staggering 514 milligrams per deciliter. Startled by this result, my physician remarked that such elevated cholesterol was unprecedented in an adult, let alone someone as young as myself. Although I initiated statin therapy promptly, I harbored reservations about lifelong medication and struggled to maintain consistency.
Come November 2020, amidst the pandemic, I began experiencing a disconcerting sensation akin to severe acid reflux in my chest nightly for two weeks. Despite discussing this with friends and seeking telehealth guidance attributing it to heartburn, I neglected to heed the advice due to a family history of heart disease (my father succumbed to a heart attack at 42).
Returning to in-person dance activities in early 2021, I encountered a different discomfort—a fiery sensation in my chest following physical exertion such as dancing or walking short distances. Dismissing it as mere lack of fitness, I pushed through until March 2021 when I consulted my primary care provider. Notably, my cholesterol levels remained alarmingly high at 384, prompting a reinstatement of statin therapy.
The pivotal moment arrived in November 2021 during a dance event at a nearby hotel, where I suffered a heart attack around 3:30 a.m.
Engaged in the rhythmic movements of the dance, a wave of exhaustion engulfed me, and a sense of endlessness pervaded the music. Struggling with dizziness, I attempted to communicate with my dance partner, Deon, only to falter in speech. Seated momentarily to steady myself, the world darkened around me like a scene from a film.
Fortunately, three friends—who were also adept nurses—rushed to my aid. Observing my distress, Tasha initially mistook it for a seizure and began fanning me with an envelope. However, upon noticing my labored breathing and vacant stare, she alerted the other nurses, Nickie and Allie.
Nickie, upon failing to detect a pulse, initiated CPR while urgently inquiring about assistance with breathing. This harrowing experience shook Ta.
Sha sprang back into action, with Nickie and Allie taking turns performing chest compressions as she administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Another person swiftly fetched an AED, while a fellow EMT grabbed an Ambu bag to assist with manual resuscitation using a mask and handheld oxygen pump. After a few attempts, the AED successfully revived me.
The next thing I remember is hearing Allie’s voice as she leaned over me, reassuring me that they were all there with me. I had been unconscious for approximately 10 minutes and woke up feeling disoriented, with a vague sense that something had gone terribly wrong. The ambulance arrived promptly, and as we rushed to the hospital, I prayed and contemplated repentance in case I didn’t make it.
Later, I learned that I had suffered a heart attack due to high cholesterol, resulting in four severe blockages in my arteries. Three of the blockages were between 90 and 95 percent, while one was at 65 percent. These blockages restricted oxygen flow to my heart, causing intense heartburn and ultimately leading to the heart attack. During the heart attack, I experienced ventricular fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm that led to cardiac arrest.
Upon diagnosis, the doctor recommended quadruple bypass surgery, involving breaking my sternum and extracting my heart for the procedure. The surgery was scheduled for the following day, and despite the daunting prospect, I found solace in the fact that I had narrowly escaped death.
The open-heart surgery involved using a blood vessel from another part of my body to bypass the blocked artery, a complex procedure that lasted five hours. Fortunately, I had skilled medical professionals overseeing the surgery, resulting in a successful outcome.
Following the surgery, my recovery progressed smoothly, with an eight-day hospital stay encompassing the heart attack, cardiac arrest, and post-operative care. The most challenging moment came when I confronted the large scar spanning eight inches down my chest, prompting emotional turmoil.
Recognizing my struggle, my life partner, CJ, sought therapy and counseling support in addition to physical rehab. Despite the emotional hurdles, I started walking the hospital corridors three times a day, gradually building up my strength with the aid of a walker. Each step felt like an accomplishment, instilling a sense of pride and determination in my recovery journey.
After my hospital stay, I began attending outpatient cardiac rehabilitation sessions three times a week for three months. During this time, I gained valuable knowledge on managing stress and improving my diet to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The chefs at the rehab facility prepared delicious and healthy meals, showcasing the taste of nutritious eating. I transitioned to a pescatarian diet, focusing on vegetables, grains, and fish rich in good cholesterol and omega-3 fatty acids.
At rehab, I spent time on the treadmill with monitors to ensure my heart rate and blood pressure stayed within safe limits. I set a goal to walk a mile in 14 minutes, which motivated me to push myself during each session. With the guidance of my rehab nurses, I steadily increased my pace until I achieved my goal in the final week of the program.
Once I was cleared by my doctor post-sternum recovery, I incorporated light weightlifting into my routine at the rehab center under close supervision. This was a new experience for me, as I had never consistently lifted weights before. I gradually increased the duration of my daily walks in the neighborhood, finding solace and joy in the activity.
Walking became a source of happiness for me, providing dopamine boosts and a sense of well-being. It became a daily ritual that helped me stay grounded and cope with stress. I found comfort in the outdoors and the calming effects of walking, which became an integral part of my recovery journey.
My doctor prescribed statins to manage my cholesterol levels post-heart attack, but it was not sufficient to lower my LDL cholesterol to a normal range due to a diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia. With a combination of medication, diet adjustments, and regular exercise, I was able to find a successful treatment plan tailored to my needs. This personalized approach proved effective in managing my condition and improving my overall health.
After discovering high cholesterol levels and making significant changes to my diet and exercise routine, I successfully shed 40 pounds. Currently, I engage in regular physical activity by walking 3.5 to 4 miles five days a week and weightlifting at the gym thrice a week to build muscle. On off days, I enjoy West Coast Swing dancing for about three hours.
Previously, I frequently dined out, but now I prepare nutritious meals at home such as salads, vegetables, plant-based protein, salmon, and trout. Adopting a mostly pescatarian diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids has contributed to lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol levels. I recently cooked plant-based chili and whole wheat pasta, making healthier choices when dining out.
Thanks to these lifestyle adjustments, my cholesterol levels have significantly improved, with my current LDL cholesterol at an exceptional 30, well below the target for heart attack survivors. I have also returned to dancing following medical clearance, overcoming initial fears and reservations.
Maintaining my health as a top priority, I have integrated exercise into my daily routine, even foregoing commitments if they interfere with my physical activities. Regular check-ups with my cardiologist every six months ensure close monitoring of my cholesterol and blood work results.
Reflecting on my journey post-heart attack, I believe there is a purpose in having experienced it publicly among my dance community. This unexpected event has inspired me to share my story and valuable insights with others.
In February, during American Heart Month, I started sharing daily posts on Facebook and Instagram about eating healthier, incorporating more exercise into your routine, and other health-related topics. I believe this is a cause bigger than myself. Often, as women, we tend to prioritize others—our children, partners, and careers—putting our own well-being on the back burner. I realized something was wrong and sought help, but didn’t receive the support I truly needed at the time.
My main message: Be aware of your health numbers. Equally important is taking action when you notice something abnormal. I understood that I should have been on statins for the past two decades, but I wasn’t always consistent with my medication. I would take it for a while, then stop due to various reasons. It’s essential to seek help when necessary and adhere to your doctor’s recommendations. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, consider seeking a second opinion instead of disregarding the advice.
We often have a sense of invincibility, believing that health issues only affect others. I personally felt detached from the reality of my heart attack for a long time, considering myself as someone else in that situation. However, the simple act of walking now feels like a blessing—a symbol of progress from being bedridden to regaining mobility. This journey has taught me to appreciate how far I’ve come.
