AHA News: 24-Year-Old's Fainting Was a Clue to Her Fatal Heart Condition

[Sharonica-Admin]

Christie Tolosky went to her family doctor's office to get a prescription for a toothache. She collapsed and was dead within an hour, leaving doctors looking for clues about what happened to the otherwise healthy 24-year-old.

usnews.com/news/health-news...

For additional information, please visit heartrhythmalliance.org/

[siouxbee19]

Thank you so much for posting this! I, too, suffer from a hereditary heart condition with symptoms (or lack thereof) similar to long QT syndrome called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

This is why it's so important for family to get tested if someone is diagnosed or unfortunately dies from this type of heart condition, they can hopefully receive an ICD/pacemaker which very well can be life saving!

It is often overlooked, brushed off as symptoms of something else much less serious, as in Christie's case.

I had fainting spells from a young age, and other symptoms that were ignored over the years. Even after possible HCM and family history of sudden cardiac arrest, and practically begging for an ICD, I finally got one 5 years later.

I tell everyone, if you think it might be heart related, have it checked out. Don't be embarrassed, better safe than sorry, words of wisdom directly from my electrophysiologist mouth!

[Sharonica-Admin in reply to siouxbee19]

Thank you for your response.

As you stated, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our heart. Thank you for sharing your personal experience with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It is important that we continue to encourage others to get their heart rhythm and pulse checked.

- Patient Services, Arrhythmia Alliance USA