27-Year-old Woman’s Heart Attack Linked to Dismissed PTSD Symptoms, Now Champions Heart Health Research
BIRMINGHAM, UK – A 27-year-old woman is sharing her story after suffering a heart attack and attributing a delay in seeking help to dismissing a key symptom while battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Neena, who has not released her last name, is now supporting the British Heart Foundation (BHF)’s “A Gift That Keeps On Living” christmas campaign, urging donations for vital cardiovascular research.
Neena endured two years of PTSD, which led to debilitating anxiety and isolation. “I was scared to leave my room and would just sit and not want to face the world or do anything that might strain my heart,” she explained. “The truth was that I wasn’t doing my heart or mind any good just sitting there.” She initially attributed chest discomfort to her anxiety, a common experiance for those with PTSD, and didn’t recognize it as a potential heart issue.
The turning point came after a holiday with family and friends in Marbella. “I looked at the photos and barely recognised myself. I knew I had to take back control and start living again,” Neena said. She focused on regaining her physical health, slowly returning to her gym routine.
A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked or severely narrowed, cutting off blood flow to the heart muscle and potentially leading to cardiac arrest.
neena is now advocating for increased awareness and research into early detection of heart conditions. The BHF is currently investigating a new care pathway,potentially including a finger-prick test,to identify individuals at risk of a heart attack before it happens,allowing for preventative treatment.
“Neena is one of so many people across the UK whose Christmas wish is for treatments and cures that we just don’t have yet,” said Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at the BHF. “Groundbreaking research funded by BHF has helped improve and save the lives of many people with cardiovascular disease, but our job is not done. The more we can discover, through the public’s donations, the more lives can be saved – and give people like Neena many more Christmases with their loved ones.”
Neena recently completed the BHF’s November skipping challenge, raising an additional £628 for lifesaving research by skipping 100 jumps a day throughout the month.
To donate to the British Heart Foundation’s “A Gift That Keeps On Living” campaign, visit https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/christmas.
