A young woman shares her harrowing experience of having a heart attack in her twenties, attributing it to neglecting a crucial symptom. Neena Chauhan, now 40, had been enduring chest pains for weeks but only sought medical attention when she felt a ‘crushing’ sensation in her chest during the sudden heart attack in 2013. Rushed to the NHS Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham from her home in Solihull, Neena described the feeling as if an elephant was sitting on her, accompanied by intense pins and needles down her left arm.
Following her hospital admission, Neena underwent immediate surgery to insert a stent and clear her artery blockage. She emphasized the critical timing of the procedure, stating that without it, she could have faced a fatal cardiac arrest. Recalling the ordeal, Neena expressed gratitude for the swift response of the ambulance crew and medical team, though the experience left her battling PTSD for two years.
Struggling with fear and anxiety post-recovery, Neena found solace in regaining control of her life after a transformative holiday in Marbella. Realizing the importance of physical activity, she gradually reintroduced herself to her gym routine to reclaim her lost self. Neena, now a health and fitness influencer, supports the British Heart Foundation’s ‘A Gift That Keeps On Living’ Christmas campaign, urging donations for cardiovascular disease research.
Researchers are exploring innovative care pathways that could potentially predict individuals at risk of heart attacks through tools like a finger prick test, facilitating early intervention. Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at BHF, highlighted the ongoing need for advancements in cardiovascular disease treatment and encouraged public donations to support life-saving research efforts.
Neena recently completed the BHF’s skipping challenge in November, raising £628 to further aid research initiatives. The initiative aimed to raise awareness and funds for critical cardiovascular research, aiming to improve outcomes and save lives.