A Shocking Heart Attack at 24
Faye Greenwood, a young influencer, faced a shocking reality when she had a heart attack while vacationing in Paris. At just 24 years old, she never thought something so serious could happen to her. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “You always think, ‘That won’t happen to me,’ but it did.”
While on holiday with her fiancé, Ailbhe Lower, Faye felt intense chest pains and was sick. She described the agony as a feeling of doom, akin to the world closing in on her. It took over six hours for her to receive medical help due to misunderstandings about her symptoms. Ailbhe noted that her age led some to downplay the severity of the situation.
Doctors are still unsure about the exact cause of her heart attack, mentioning that her existing condition, dilated cardiomyopathy, might not have played a role. When she returned to the UK, Faye learned she could wait up to a year for a heart transplant. Thankfully, she found a donor and left the hospital in a little over four months.
This ordeal brought unexpected challenges, especially financial ones. The couple faced a staggering £14,000 medical bill from the French hospital and an additional £40,000 for an emergency air ambulance back to the UK. Faye described the financial burden as “really scary,” especially since they had just saved up to move out of Ailbhe’s mother’s house.
Life After the Heart Attack
Recovering from such a serious condition raises questions about the future. Faye expressed uncertainty about her career, dealing with scars from surgery. “Brands might react differently now,” she worried. Ailbhe pointed out the unfairness of the situation, humorously noting that while he indulges in junk food, Faye leads a healthy lifestyle yet faced the heart crisis.
Faye and Ailbhe, with a combined social media following of 1.6 million, are using their platform to raise awareness about heart health. Recent studies indicate that heart disease is rising among younger people, making conversations about symptoms crucial. Experts suggest that people like Faye are often overlooked when it comes to heart problems.
A Personal Message
Faye encourages everyone to listen to their body. “If you think something is wrong, even a little, get it checked out,” she advises. Ailbhe echoed this sentiment, using their experience to remind others not to dismiss potential health issues. In a time where health can sometimes be taken for granted, Faye’s story serves as a wake-up call about the importance of awareness and proactive health care.
For more insights on heart health and to learn about the signs of heart issues, visit the American Heart Association. Both Faye and Ailbhe hope their story will help others prioritize their health, regardless of age.
