Nikki’s vibrant life took a sudden turn when she experienced a cardiac arrest during a workout. Through her recovery journey and the support of cardiac rehabilitation, she not only transformed her health but also deepened her commitment to heart health and self-care.
The beginning of Nikki’s heart condition
Nikki had celebrated her 50th birthday and led a very busy life, working long hours in her own business, and taking care of her family. Having a serious heart condition was the furthest thing from her mind. She kept fit, ate well and went to the gym five days a week.
Shortly after arriving home from dinner one night, Nikki experienced pain in her chest and jaw which radiated to her left elbow. The pain was so intense that Nikki found it difficult to breathe. Tests at her local private hospital revealed that there had been some damage to her heart muscle; however, a coronary angiogram, which shows if the heart’s blood flow was restricted, did not reveal any blockages in the blood vessels.
After being referred to a gastroenterologist, Nikki was told that she had a small hernia hiatus where part of her stomach had pushed into her diaphragm. An electrocardiogram (ECG) which records the electrical signals in the heart didn’t detect any issues. The gastroenterologist diagnosed Nikki with oesophageal spasms and prescribed reflux medication however she continued to experience the symptoms.
A year later, Nikki was at her usual pump class at the gym and during the warm-up she felt she was getting “reflux” symptoms but carried on. Holding a set of weights overhead, Nikki was readying herself for a series of bench presses when she had a sudden cardiac arrest.
Every day, nearly 70 Australians have a cardiac arrest out of hospital, but only 10% survive due to delays in receiving CPR, defibrillation and treatment.
Nikki was unconscious and without a pulse. She believes that “everything was in her corner” as fellow class members worked together to revive her. A vet and a retired emergency doctor performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Nikki as the gym instructor used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart her heart while an ambulance was called.
“I remember trying to talk but it was like my mouth was full of mud,” said Nikki. “I was aware there were people around me and a feeling I was being looked after which was reassuring.”
Determining the cause of her cardiac arrest
An angiogram on arrival at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) did not reveal any blockages in her heart; however, to fully understand why Nikki had a cardiac arrest, interventional cardiologist Dr Michael Ward asked if he could perform a test to repeat the episode in a safe hospital environment. It was a daunting thought, but Nikki trusted the expertise of the doctors. She was awake through the procedure and when she started having her usual “reflux” symptoms, she was able to communicate that this was the pain she had been experiencing for the past 18 months.
Dr Ward diagnosed Nikki with coronary artery vasospasm (CAVS), which is a temporary constriction of the arteries in the heart. After five days at RNSH, she returned home.
During her hospitalisation, Nikki was given medication and a HeartBug that she was required to wear for four weeks. The HeartBug is a small personal ECG heart monitor which records cardiac activity for a cardiologist to analyse.
Nikki suffered fractured ribs and sternum which she believed were a combination of when the weights fell on her chest and the life-saving CPR she received, but the most difficult symptom was the debilitating fatigue she experienced.
Cardiac rehabilitation: a medically supervised program at RNSH
Nikki on holiday after surviving cardiac arrest
Six weeks after discharge, Nikki started attending the cardiac rehabilitation unit at RNSH, where a team of cardiac nurses, exercise physiologists and other allied health professionals provide important ongoing care and support to improve patients’ cardiovascular health.
“Cardiac rehabilitation is a program which uses a combination of prescribed exercises, education and assessment for patients with a heart condition,” said Senior Exercise Physiologist, Christine. “It helps them return to their normal activities and to reach their exercise and physical activity goals.”
Christine said one of the most important aspects of the unit is the support that is provided by the team which allows patients to exercise in a medically supervised environment at their own pace and ability which builds confidence for the long term. They also focus on a healthy diet and regular exercise as being part of a healthy lifestyle.
Thinking she would be with older people; Nikki was surprised to meet people of all ages. She felt the power of camaraderie with other patients who joined the exercise classes and openly shared their concerns in counselling sessions with the healthcare professionals.
“The team in cardio rehab are the most beautiful people,” said Nikki. “I had lost my confidence, but they taught me to get back on track.”
After eight weeks she was awarded a leaving certificate, and was advised she could return to her gym. An exercise physiologist monitored her during her gym sessions for 10 weeks to ensure she was exercising safely which brought her great comfort. Satisfied she could still bench press at the gym, she has adopted a more relaxed lifestyle with yoga classes, part-time work and leisurely walks with the family dog.
“As women, we are often so busy looking after everyone else, that we don’t look after ourselves,” says Nikki. “It took a cardiac arrest to give myself permission to rest.”
If you would like to support the cardiac rehabilitation unit who provide support, education and counselling for people who are recovering from a heart condition, please donate here.
