Justin Carter on the treadmill Energy Boost Last May, she had no idea it would lead to a near-death experience.
The 33-year-old mother, who lives in Utah, Healthy and energetic But after 12 minutes of walking, I began to feel shortness of breath and back pain rising up to my chest.
The violent vomiting that followed led Carter to believe he had a bad case of gastroenteritis.
Soy milk may reduce risk factors for heart disease, study shows
“That's where things get a little murky,” she told Fox News Digital in an interview.
Justine Carter (left) developed spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) while on a treadmill, and here, pictured right, she is reunited with the EMS team that saved her life at HCA Healthcare Mountain View Hospital. (Justin Carter)
Carter called her husband and mother-in-law, but doesn't remember the content of the conversation.
“The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the hospital.”
Carter's husband and mother-in-law found her in the bathroom, where she appeared to be having a seizure and was breathing very slowly.
Sleeping longer on weekends could lower your risk of heart disease by 20%, study finds
Her mother-in-law, Teresa Carter, a nurse at HCA Healthcare's Mountain View Hospital in Payson, Utah, saved her life with CPR. Emergency medical services We have arrived.
For 25 minutes, Carter's heart stopped and blood was only circulating through his body through CPR.
“It all seemed pretty ominous,” Teresa Carter told Fox News Digital in the same interview.
Pictured here is Justine Carter with her husband, Kevin Carter, as she recovers in the hospital. (Justin Carter)
“The monitor has something called 'tombstone rhythm,' which is what she Have a heart attackand we found out that her heart muscle wasn't getting enough oxygen.”
Doctors at HCA Healthcare's Mountain View Hospital confirmed that Carter had spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a tear in the wall of a coronary artery that can lead to heart attack, arrhythmia and even sudden death.
What you need to know about SCAD
Carter's condition, SCAD, has no known cause or risk factors.
Most patients with this disease Women in their 40s and 50s According to the American Heart Association (AHA), these are otherwise healthy people.
“The patients are often healthy women.”
The specific cause is unknown, but “scientists believe several factors may cause SCAD, including arterial abnormalities, genetics, hormonal influences and inflammatory problems,” the AHA's website states.
“The causes of SCAD are not entirely clear, but patients tend to be women, which is very similar to Justin's case. Otherwise healthy“He was in a bad mood,” Dr. Mark Baer, the doctor who treated Carter and medical director of the emergency department at HCA Healthcare Mountain View Hospital, told Fox News Digital.
Justin Carter will be reunited with his paramedic team and clinical colleagues in August 2024 at HCA Healthcare Mountain View Hospital. (Justin Carter)
“In fact, people with SCAD often have few or no risk factors for heart disease,” he continued.
“Extreme physical and mental stress can lead to fibromuscular dysplasia, a genetic connective tissue disorder that affects arterial blood vessels, and very High blood pressure”
Carter said there were no signs of concern before the incident.
Heart Health Risk Factors for Women Over 50
“I had no energy and wasn't feeling great that day, but I thought it was because it was winter and it was cloudy outside,” she said.
A week after the first heart attack, and on the same day he returned home from the hospital, Carter suffered another heart attack.
Like the first time, she suffered chest pains, severe nausea and dangerously low blood pressure.
Justin Carter was photographed the day after waking up from a coma at HCA Healthcare's Mountain View Hospital in Payson, Utah. (Justin Carter)
“The second time it happened was just as scary as the first time,” she told Fox News Digital.
Carter was transported by ambulance to HCA Healthcare Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where a catheterization team and cardiothoracic surgeons are on hand if needed. Open chest surgery.
The heart team discovered that Carter's original aortic tear had lengthened and become more swollen, causing another blockage.
A single blood test could predict a woman's heart disease risk up to 30 years in the future, study finds
“When she got to the hospital, her blood pressure was so low it was almost life-threatening,” Teresa Carter said. “We really did think her heart was going to stop and we were terrified she was going to die.”
After using a balloon to compress the injured artery and restore blood flow, the cardiac team implanted a small heart pump to temporarily relieve the strain on Carter's heart while he recovers.
'Amazing' recovery
Carter went home today. I feel stronger every day.
“Justin is recovering well and with the proper care and precautions, his prognosis is excellent,” Baer told Fox News Digital.
Justine Carter (left) is pictured with her mother-in-law, Teresa Carter, who saved her life by administering CPR after her heart attack. (Justin Carter)
When Carter arrived at the emergency room at Mountain View Hospital, Bear said she was in continuous Nerve damage This was because his brain had been deprived of oxygen for 25 minutes, he said.
“However, thanks to the excellent care given at the scene, she has made a full recovery.”
Half of US counties have no cardiologists, study reveals 'incredibly alarming' healthcare disparities
Baer said Carter's mother-in-law began CPR and the efforts of paramedics to resuscitate him were key to his survival, but also cited the “heroic steps” taken at the hospital to preserve Carter's brain function.
“Her recovery has been incredible to watch,” he added.
Carter has completed cardiac rehab and is now able to take his dog for walks, but he is not yet cleared to resume running or hiking.
“People with SCAD often have few or no risk factors for heart disease.”
“I I'm really tired That was the case for the first two weeks, but then my energy levels started to increase,” she said.
“Now I can get through the day without needing to take a nap.”
Carter visits a cardiologist every three months to make sure his heart is functioning properly.
Justin Carter is pictured with husband Kevin Carter after being released from hospital. (Justin Carter)
While SCAD cannot be predicted or prevented, Baer stressed the importance of good lifestyle choices, including a healthy diet. Heart-healthy foodsGet moderate exercise, reduce stress, and treat high blood pressure.
“Adults should also get the quality sleep they need and see their doctor regularly,” he advises. “Smoking is also the most preventable risk factor for heart disease.”
Lessons learned
She said Carter's heart attack was “life-changing” and taught her valuable lessons:
1. Listen to your body
“As women, we often put other people's needs before our own,” she says. “We have to say, 'This is how I feel, and this is what I'm going to do.'”
Click here to get the FOX News app
After his heart attack, Carter realized it was okay to slow down and let others take care of things.
“Now, when I get tired, I just tap out.”
Click here to sign up for our Health Newsletter
“If you feel like something is wrong, don't hesitate to call 911. A lot can be prevented if you do that,” she advised.
Vaid also stressed the importance of paying attention to any new or different symptoms, such as chest pain, abnormal breathing or difficulty breathing. shortness of breathextreme weakness and dizziness.
2. Learn life-saving skills
Justin and Teresa Carter agreed it's important for people to know CPR and be prepared for emergencies until emergency responders arrive.
Justin and Teresa Carter agreed it's important for people to know CPR and be prepared for emergencies until emergency responders arrive. (iStock)
“Even if you're not in the medical profession, this is an invaluable skill,” Teresa Carter said. “It increases your chances of being able to help a loved one.”
3. Don't be scared
Although SCAD events typically can't be predicted or prevented, Carter is determined not to live in fear.
“You can't enjoy life if you live every day in fear.”
“You can go through life scared of a lot of things, but if you live every day in fear, you're not going to enjoy life,” she said. “Life is fleeting and short, so enjoy it as it is.”
For more health related articles, health
Carter once again expressed his gratitude to his team at HCA Healthcare Mountain View Hospital.
“They're the reason I'm here,” she said. “All I can say is thank you.”
