After experiencing what seemed like a minor health event, I was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia, a condition where the heart beats abnormally fast due to irregular electrical signals in its lower chambers (the ventricles). This can prevent the heart from pumping enough blood to the body and may lead to serious complications like ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. I received an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) that now protects me from potential life-threatening events. I have no known risk factors or family history, which made the diagnosis even more unexpected. I’m incredibly grateful my doctors investigated subtle findings during my workup and didn’t dismiss what was ultimately a pre-cursor event that may have saved my life.
Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach) and ventricular fibrillation are estimated to be responsible for approximately 300,000 sudden cardiac deaths in the U.S. every year—many people receive no warning until it’s too late. I’m walking to raise awareness, support research, and help others get the care they need before it’s too late. Join me in making every heartbeat count.
