Listening to Your Body: A Heart Health Story

A Personal Story of Survival

Carla Buchanan, a 52-year-old trail and ultra runner from Vernon, B.C., is sharing her harrowing experience with heart health to remind everyone of the importance of listening to their bodies. Last June, while training for an upcoming race, Carla’s life took a dramatic turn. She felt a sharp, sudden pain in her mid-back, which she initially dismissed as a mere back tweak. However, the pain persisted and began to radiate to her shoulders and hands. Recognizing that something was off, Carla turned to her husband and said, “I’m getting some tingling in my hands; this just doesn’t feel right.” This moment of intuition led them to head straight to Vernon Jubilee Hospital—a decision that would prove to be life-saving.

At the hospital, tests revealed that Carla had suffered a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, or SCAD—a condition in which a tear occurs in the coronary artery, leading to a blockage and, in Carla’s case, a heart attack. “It was described to me as a tear in the coronary artery that filled with blood and created a hematoma and a blockage,” Carla explained. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that paying attention to your body can be the difference between life and death.

Understanding SCAD and Its Impact

SCAD is a condition that predominantly affects women, with 90% of cases occurring in female patients, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. It is often underestimated and misunderstood, even within the medical community. Unlike more common forms of heart disease, SCAD is not typically linked to traditional risk factors such as high cholesterol or smoking. Instead, it is associated with a tear in the inner lining of the coronary artery, which can lead to a blockage and a heart attack.

Carla’s experience highlights the importance of awareness and prompt medical intervention. Her story also underscores the challenges of diagnosing heart-related issues in women, as their symptoms often differ from the classic signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. Instead, women may experience more subtle or ambiguous symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, or stomach pain, which can easily be dismissed or overlooked.

Unique Risks for Women’s Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women globally, and it is on the rise. Women face unique risk factors that can increase their likelihood of developing heart-related conditions. These include pregnancy complications, earlier menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Additionally, women are more likely to experience different symptoms of heart disease compared to men, which can make diagnosis more challenging.

Allison Henderson, the regional lead for Interior Health’s cardiac program, emphasizes that women often present differently when it comes to cardiac health. “Women can be affected by different cardiac diseases,” she said. “They can experience symptoms that are different from those classic cardiac symptoms that we are more familiar with.” These differences can lead to delays in seeking medical attention, as women may attribute their symptoms to other, less serious conditions.

The Importance of Awareness and Advocacy

Carla’s story and the reality of rising heart disease rates in women have prompted Interior Health to launch its “Wear Red” campaign during the month of February. The campaign aims to raise awareness about women’s cardiac health and encourage individuals to take proactive steps to protect their heart health. By sharing Carla’s story, the campaign hopes to inspire others to listen to their bodies and take action when something feels off.

The “Wear Red” campaign also serves as a reminder of the importance of education and advocacy in addressing women’s heart health. By shedding light on the unique risks and symptoms faced by women, the campaign hopes to empower individuals to take control of their health and seek medical attention when necessary.

A Call to Action for Better Heart Health

Carla’s experience is a testament to the importance of intuition and prompt action when it comes to health. Her story is a reminder that heart disease can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. As someone who was actively training for a race at the time of her heart attack, Carla’s case highlights the need for vigilance and awareness.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation and Interior Health are urging women to prioritize their heart health and not ignore symptoms that feel unusual or persistent. By sharing Carla’s story and spreading awareness, they hope to reduce the stigma around women’s heart health and encourage more individuals to seek medical help when needed.

In conclusion, Carla’s journey is a powerful reminder to listen to your body and take action when something doesn’t feel right. By raising awareness and encouraging education, initiatives like the “Wear Red” campaign are working to improve heart health outcomes for women everywhere. Let Carla’s story inspire you to prioritize your health and advocate for yourself and others.