Hi, I am Ellen Long and I'm here today to share my story of survival and recovery after a heart attack. Before this life-changing event, I was busy working in commercial real estate, having fun traveling with family, and had just returned from a ski trip in West Virginia the night before the event.
I thought I was in great shape and had no major health concerns.
It all started the early morning of February 12th with what I thought at first was just indigestion but I knew it was more that this when I felt a persistent pressue in my chest that I knew was not going away. I also felt fatique and lightheaded. Looking back, before the event, I was experiencing a shortness of breath after exercising, felt heart burn when exercising and felt lightheaded.
I realized something was seriously wrong and I drove myself to urgent care and from there I was sent by ambulance where I was greeted at the door by Dr. Bui, Cardiologist and his team at Henrico Doctors Hospital. Dr. Bui said, "someone wanted you here because you would not have survived if you were still skiing in West Virginia." I went into surgery right away and they quickly performed an angioplasty to open up the blocked artieries and inserted four stents to keep them open. The swift action of the medical team was crucial-every minute counts during a heart attack. I learned that early intervention is key to minimizing damage and improving recovery.
Recovery started with the cardio rehab at Henrico Doctors Hospital. I was met by an amazing team of coaches, nurses and nutritionist. They were amazing every step of the way and I realized how great the cardio and weight lifting are for your heart. I was so encouraged with their support and I realized I was not going to die. This team inspired me with every work out and then I met others that had similar experiences and we encouraged each other. I have never felt better and realize how important it is to continue to exercise and have a heart-healthy diet.
One of the biggest lessons I learned is to listen to your body and not ignore symptoms. Prevention is vital- regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and exercise can make a huge difference. Stress management is also crucial, as it is a significant factor in heart health. I also learned the value of resilience and staying positive throughout the recovery process.
Your donation will fund groundbreaking research that literally keeps hearts beating and helps people have longer, healthier lives.
This year, as we celebrate the Centennial of the American Heart Association, we will move health and well-being forward in important and critical ways. This relentless pursuit will continue until heart disease and stroke no longer exist.
Have a heart and help me reach my goal today.
If you’re reading this and have experienced symptoms of a heart attack or have been diagnosed with heart disease, know that there is hope. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can recover and lead a fulfilling life.
Don’t hesitate to seek help, follow your doctor’s advice, and take charge of your health. Your journey might be tough, but it’s also filled with opportunities for growth and renewal.
