Surviving a Heart Attack: MaryKay’s Story

Doctores Especialistas on September 25, 2025. Visit author social media

MaryKay West, who had been active in sports since her twenties and competed in high-intensity events well into her fifties, suffered a heart attack at 56. While driving to a work meeting, she experienced difficulty swallowing and chest pain that spread to her jaw and down her right arm. Recognizing the severity of her symptoms, she headed straight to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with a heart attack caused by a spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

A coronary dissection is a tear in the wall of a heart artery that can block or reduce blood flow, potentially causing a heart attack or irregular heartbeat. MaryKay was shocked by the diagnosis—she had always considered herself very fit: she didn’t smoke, ate a healthy diet, and attended regular medical checkups. Her story is a reminder that even healthy individuals can face sudden cardiac emergencies.

After four months of cardiac rehabilitation, MaryKay was able to return to exercising, though she no longer competes at the high-intensity level she once did. Now, at 62, she still enjoys the sports she loves, but at a moderate effort. She believes that without her active, healthy lifestyle, she might not have survived—or recovered. Her journey underscores the importance of heart health, prevention, and resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.

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Key words: Heart attack, coronary artery dissection, cardiac rehab, healthy lifestyle, sports, resilience, heart health, prevention, recovery, fitness

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