The Inspiring Journey of Cardiac Nurse Jennifer Harlan
Imagine dedicating your life to caring for cardiac Patients, only to find yourself facing the same harrowing challenges you help others battle. This is the story of Jennifer Harlan, a seasoned registered nurse from the heart of Colorado, who survived not one, but three heart attacks in just five years. The heroic tale of her survival and the tips she offers based on her experience are as enlightening as they are moving.
Reunion with Life-Saving EMS Crew
Last week’s emotional reunion was a testament to the unspoken bond between a patient and their rescuers. At 53, Harlan found herself meeting the very EMS crew from HCA Healthcare’s Sky Ridge Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, whose swift action and expertise saved her life. “I cannot thank them enough — they are the reason I am here today,” she expressed with heartfelt gratitude.
A Nurse’s Heart Health Ordeal Revealed
Harlan delineated her heart health journey to Gitty Gazette News Digital, sharing the whirlwind of emotions and physical trials she endured. Remarkably, her first heart attack struck in February 2018 at the age of 47. An ordinary night transformed into a life-threatening ordeal as Harlan woke up with excruciating pain shooting down her left arm, coupled with sweating, paleness, and nausea. Despite an emergency department visit and an overnight hospital stay, her symptoms were initially dismissed when tests returned normal. “The symptoms returned two days later,” Harlan recalled, “but I ignored them, convinced there was no way I was having a heart attack.”
However, the grim reality was that Harlan had lost blood flow to a significant portion of her heart by the time she saw a cardiologist—as much as three days after her symptoms resurfaced. It was then discovered that her left anterior descending artery (LAD) had dissected, resulting in a clotted coronary that formed scar tissue and reduced her heart function by 30%. The diagnosis? Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), an unexpected and rare heart condition that can occur without warning.
SCAD Strikes Back
Despite this setback, nearly three years passed before Harlan’s second encounter with SCAD. It happened while at work, and this time she didn’t hesitate—immediately rushing to the emergency department proved crucial as quick medical attention minimized the damage.
Yet, the assailant that is SCAD was not finished. August 2023 marked Harlan’s most recent episode. She once again swiftly sought emergency care. But after being discharged, the unexpected occurred. While lounging on the couch, Harlan fell unconscious, turning blue as she went into full cardiac arrest. Her husband, trained in CPR, sprung into action while calling 911, which undoubtedly contributed to her survival. “I was shocked twice before I got a heartbeat back,” she described the harrowing experience.
Five days in the ICU and an array of treatments followed, including the placement of an internal defibrillator/pacemaker. This encounter also led to Harlan sustaining several broken ribs and a broken sternum due to the life-saving CPR.
Heartfelt Care at Sky Ridge Medical Center
Beyond being a patient, Harlan found herself being treated in the familiar surroundings of her workplace. The director of cardiovascular services, David Welcom, captured the sentiment perfectly: “We were so honored to care for our colleague as a member of our own Family.” It’s a poetic twist that underlines the quality of care available round-the-clock at Sky Ridge Medical Center, showing that every second counts when it comes to cardiac emergencies.
Dealing with SCAD
While SCAD’s causes remain elusive, with the American Heart Association (AHA) noting that most patients are healthy women in their 40s and 50s, Harlan embodies the courageous fight against this mysterious condition. “I just try to live each day with gratitude that three times now, I’ve been given another chance, and I’m trying to be worthy of that gift,” she shared, her words echoing the resilience it takes to overcome such odds.
The Crucial Role of CPR Training
Harlan emphasizes the significance of CPR training as a lifesaving skill. The American Heart Association corroborates this, stating that immediate CPR can significantly enhance survival chances after a heart attack. The sentiment was backed by Michael Miller of South Metro Fire Rescue, one of the EMS crew members who treated Harlan.
Embracing Each New Day with Vigor
Jennifer Harlan’s optimism is palpable when discussing her recovery and future: having regained her lost heart function and with a defibrillator providing an additional safety net, she looks toward tomorrow with positivity. Harlan’s full return to activities she loves, like yoga and walking, is a testament to her strength and tenacity.
Living with Intention and Gratitude
Having faced the precipice of life and death, Harlan has gained a new perspective on life and patient care. Her journey has taught her empathy and the profound understanding of patient anxieties. What resonates most from her experience is her message of attention to the body’s signals and the power of a swift response.
Heeding Harlan’s Heartfelt Advice
For Jennifer Harlan, her ordeal is not just a personal narrative but a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration. She encourages everyone to listen closely to their bodies and seek immediate help when needed. “Listen to your gut,” she insists, for “time is tissue,” and delaying assistance could result in irreversible damage.
As we navigate through life’s unpredictability with health as front and center, Harlan reminds us of the delicate balance we tread and the sheer resilience of the human spirit. She’s not only a nurse who has witnessed the fragility of the heart, but also a survivor who embodies the strength of one. Her story is a powerful reminder to cherish every heartbeat and live each day with gratitude and courage.
