* Update *

We did it! Thank you to everyone for all of your support, it's been overwhelming.

With matched funding, we have raised over £2000 and most importantly raised awareness.

Thank you xxx

.........

On Thursday 20th July, my lovely colleagues Ian, Louise and Paul are joining me on my first fundraising event for the British Heart Foundation.

I want to share my experience to raise awareness of MINOCA Heart Attacks in Women.

So, if you are a woman/know a woman/assigned female at birth, under the age of 55 (so that’s everyone!) please take a few moments to read my story.

My Heart Attack 💔

In November 2022 I had a heart attack. As a healthy and active 46 year old, who doesn't smoke, has low blood pressure, low cholesterol and with no underlying health issues or family history, a Heart Attack was not even on my radar as something I needed to worry about.

So, since November I have had an education in all things 'Heart' and I really want to increase awareness of the following:

💔 One in 10 heart attacks in younger patients aren’t caused by blocked coronary arteries.

💔 Scientists refer to heart attacks not caused by blocked arteries as MINOCA, short for 'myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries’.

💔 MINOCA patients are less likely to smoke or have other traditional risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol or hereditary issues.

💔 Women are five times more likely than men to have a MINOCA heart attack.

💔 Women under the age of 55 are more likely to have a MINOCA Heart Attack.

💔 Many MINOCA victims may fail to seek proper treatment, because they don't consider themselves to be at risk of a HA.

💔 Heart Attack symptoms can vary widely, from just occasional mild chest discomfort, feeling weak, light-headed, or faint, pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders. Shortness of breath.

💔 There can also be a failure to be diagnosed correctly, due to the wide variety of symptoms, and not all heart attacks show on an ECG.

💔 A troponin blood test measures the levels of troponin proteins in the blood. These proteins are released when a heart attack occurs. This blood test is VERY important to rule in/out a HA.

💔 If a Heart Attack is confirmed and an angiogram does not identify a blockage, a cardiac MRI is necessary as soon as possible after the event. A cardiac MRI can provide important and timely information for an accurate diagnosis and future management.

Now 8 months down the line, with the overwhelming love and support of my family, friends and colleagues, my life is returning to normal.

So to celebrate having passed my cardiac rehabilitation with flying colours, we will be walking 10 miles, along the coast between Craster & Seahouses.

Why only 10 miles? Well just days before my Heart Attack, I had walked 10 miles, so to start my fundraising I wanted to start where I left off!

Thanks for reading folks.