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Colorado Cardiac Expert’s Guide: Heart Health Tips

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.

Sam Lee
Sam Lee
Sam Lee, with an MA in Digital Journalism from Tech Forward Institute, is a techno-savvy reporter known for their in-depth analysis of the tech industry. From Silicon Valley startups to cybersecurity trends, Sam has a knack for breaking down complex topics into relatable stories, making them a favorite among tech enthusiasts and novices alike.

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