Magaly, 47 years old

A new chapter in my life began on January 8, 2025. It wasn't a morning like any other... It was the first day back after the holidays. I was apprehensive about this new busy period. Until that fateful day, I was a department head.

When I arrived at work around 6:40 a.m., I felt a sharp, stabbing pain in my sternum and middle back. I was short of breath. My immediate thought was to call for help. However, I didn't. Four long minutes passed, then the pain disappeared as if by magic.

Alone in my office, I decided not to call. Throughout the day, every time I walked, a slight discomfort in my chest would reappear, disappearing as soon as I slowed down or stopped. This symptom should have alerted me.

I tell myself that I should talk to my doctor about it when I get the chance. I carry on with my day, putting on a brave face so that no one notices my weakness. In the evening, once I get home, exhausted and worn out by the day, I feel very tired and the pain is more intense. I decide to go to bed, thinking that a night's sleep will help.

But the attacks become more frequent, stronger, and more oppressive. Lying down becomes unbearable. I get up, lean against a wall, and focus on my breathing so as not to panic. This time, the pain also affects my esophagus (burning), spine, jaw, and chest veins, as if they were blocked. I remain standing, without losing consciousness. My partner calls the emergency services, who send an ambulance to perform an ECG. By the time the paramedics arrive, the pain has almost disappeared.

I have no history of cardiovascular disease. I am not being treated for high blood pressure. I am in fairly good health, with what I would describe as a healthy lifestyle. I am the mother of two young adults, I don't smoke, I don't drink alcohol, and I am not sedentary. I regularly go running, walking, and cycling. But I am overweight. The ECG is perfectly normal. However, 30 minutes later, the blood test results reveal a very high troponin level. The emergency doctor tells me that my heart is in great distress, that this is a life-threatening emergency, and that I need to be hospitalized in intensive care. The news triggers another attack.

After examinations, the cardiologist explains that I have had a rare heart attack, due to its location and appearance: a dissection (tear) of the main coronary artery of the heart. Five segments of the heart are necrotic. The artery is too damaged to insert a stent. After balloon angioplasty, I had to wait three months for healing, aided by heavy medication. These drugs cannot be stopped or forgotten, as the risk of recurrence is high. I appreciated that the cardiologist took the time to explain the situation clearly to me, but also to ask me about my lifestyle and medical history. He was surprised by my young age (46) and reassured me about my weight, pointing out that I was athletic and very active. He mentioned a rare genetic disease, which was ultimately ruled out a few weeks later thanks to thorough testing. The heart attack was caused by a spike in blood pressure related to work stress (diagnosis confirmed by an expert cardiologist). The mental strain and deteriorating working conditions I had been exposed to for some time had a real impact on my health. I realize that I may not have seen or wanted to see all the warning signs, particularly by neglecting the most important one: despite the first crisis, I continued to work without calling for help. I put my life in danger by delaying calling for help and prioritizing work that put me under pressure. This negligence could have cost me much more. During the healing phase, punctuated by fears, doubts, and anxieties, particularly in view of the high risk of recurrence, I refocused on myself and my family. This stage was difficult, with moments of loneliness marked by angina attacks, chest pain during exertion or emotional stress. I felt physically very diminished: walking, climbing stairs, and performing everyday tasks became difficult. Supported by my loved ones, I tried every day to walk a little further, according to my abilities. One day at a time. In search of advice and testimonials, the Agir pour le Cœur des Femmes website provided me with some answers. I sought the help of a private psychologist to unburden myself emotionally. We are incredibly lucky to live in France, where the healthcare system and treatment pathways are well structured, tailored, and free. However, in my experience, talking to a mental health professional would have been essential from the very first days of my hospitalization, to help me deal with the emotional shock and psychological repercussions of the event.

Three months after the heart attack, a coronary angiogram revealed that a stent was necessary. It was successfully inserted, and I quickly felt a marked physical improvement. In June, I was fortunate enough to participate in a three-week cardiovascular rehabilitation program at the hospital. I was supported by a caring and dynamic healthcare team. The rehabilitation program, which was group-based but personalized, offered a tailored program every day: health education classes, meetings with a psychologist, a dietitian, a pharmacist, and a sports instructor, all supervised by a cardiologist who provided valuable advice. This program was beneficial. Under safe supervision, the daily sports sessions helped me get back on track and regain my confidence.

Today, I am continuing with the health program and applying the advice I received with conviction and determination: "Exercise is your best ally. You have to see it as medicine, just like a balanced diet. " I motivate myself every day to take at least 10,000 steps and exercise six days a week (running, cycling, fitness, etc.), while cooking more balanced meals.

I am grateful to have been given a second chance. I love life and I like to find meaning in what I do. That's why I'm delighted to share this testimony, to help you make the right decisions. Take care of yourself, your family, and your health. Get screened. No one else will do it for you.