My Heart Story
By Abby Winston
I have always been active and loved going to the gym at 5 a.m. for classes. I had been experiencing sharp pains in the middle of my chest, but it would only last 2-3 minutes and then go away. I did not think much of it because I figured I ate some fried food, or maybe I was overdoing it at the gym. On Aug.15, 2024, I was in a cycling class at the gym. I fell off the bike, hit my head, became unconscious and my heart stopped. An AED machine was used on me, but it didn’t help. I did have a few seizures due to this accident. I was rushed to the hospital and was placed in an induced coma. My EKG levels came back normal, and the medical team was solely focused on the seizures and the fact they found a small brain tumor, but it is benign. My husband kept telling them it’s a heart issue and seemed as if I had experienced a heart attack. The medical team dismissed this idea since my EKG levels were normal, and they were concerned I might have epilepsy.
Fast forward: I was assigned to a neurologist and was put on anti-seizure medication. I had a horrible allergic reaction and broke out into hives. My primary doctor told me to get off the medicines until the hives cleared. I’m so glad I did because the hives stopped but unfortunately left permanent skin damage. I have not had a seizure since the morning of my accident at the gym. I kept telling the neurologist that I do not have epilepsy or any type of brain condition and it all comes down to heart issues. They were so dismissive towards me and argued with me that they didn’t want me to have another outbreak seizure.
I finally met a wonderful cardiologist who listened to me. This doctor immediately ordered a treadmill/stress test on me. Those results came back abnormal; it led to me getting a full CT scan on my heart that showed plaque buildup. I was referred to a catheter specialist to see where the blockage was and determine if I needed a stent or open-heart surgery. The catheter procedure showed I had over 95% plaque buildup and I would need bypass surgery. My cardiologist explained my accident at the gym was cardiac arrest and that cardiac arrest can show seizure-like activity. My husband was right all along.
On March 28, 2025, I had double bypass surgery. My surgeon told my husband I had a very sick heart, and it all comes down to genetics. He said he would have been shocked if I made it another month living with how sick my heart was. Today, I am back at work, recently turned 40 and going to cardiac rehab therapy three times a week. I am thankful to have cardiologists who listened to me. You know your body better than anyone else, so fight for your life. It always helps to get a second opinion. Use your voice and be your own advocate.
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For more information on this health topic, visit www.heart.org
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