A 41-year-old runner, Darlene Anita Scott, who considered herself in optimal health, was unexpectedly diagnosed with heart failure. Her journey highlights the importance of listening to one's body and seeking thorough medical evaluation, even when symptoms seem minor or attributable to lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- A highly active runner was diagnosed with heart failure despite maintaining an "optimally healthy" lifestyle.
- Initial symptoms of shortness of breath were misattributed to overexertion or asthma.
- The underlying cause was eventually identified as cardiac sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease.
- Scott's treatment involves medication and implanted devices, and she now views running as part of her management plan.
A Runner's Descent into Heart Failure
Darlene Anita Scott, a poet and creative writing teacher, embraced running in her 30s, quickly progressing from casual jogs to training for marathons for optimal heart health. Her dedication extended to her diet, adopting a vegan lifestyle and avoiding processed foods, leading her to believe she was in peak physical condition.
The Onset of Symptoms
In the spring of 2016, while training for her eighth marathon, Scott began experiencing shortness of breath. Initially, she attributed it to overexertion from her demanding training schedule and work commitments. Despite trying to manage it by getting more rest, the symptoms persisted.
Misdiagnosis and the Shocking Revelation
Her general practitioner suspected exercise-induced asthma, leading to a referral to a pulmonologist. When lung function tests came back normal, chest X-rays revealed an enlarged heart. A subsequent visit to a cardiologist confirmed the devastating diagnosis: heart failure, with her ejection fraction at a mere 20%.
Seeking Answers and a Correct Diagnosis
Initially, doctors suspected high blood pressure as the cause, a common assumption for African Americans with heart issues. However, Scott's lack of a high blood pressure history prompted further investigation. A second opinion and a series of tests, including a cardiac MRI, revealed scarring on her heart inconsistent with coronary disease.
Identifying Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Dr. Keyur B. Shah and his team identified the cause as cardiac sarcoidosis, an autoimmune condition that can inflame the heart and lead to arrhythmias and weakened heart function. This condition is more prevalent in women and individuals of African or Scandinavian descent.
Living with and Managing Heart Failure
In June 2017, Scott received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) with a biventricular pacemaker to manage her heart's electrical system and improve its pumping efficiency. A month later, she was able to resume running, albeit with a new perspective, but still keeping a health heart.
A New Perspective on Health
Scott now views running as a form of medication and is actively involved in advocating for wellness access and inclusivity. Her sarcoidosis is currently in remission, and she manages her condition with medication and her implanted devices. Her experience underscores that heart disease can affect anyone, regardless of their fitness level.
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