moved her clothes into the attic. They forgot to move them back before she came home, so while she knew they were just trying to get organized, “I felt like I had died and wasn’t supposed to be there,” she says. “Nobody expected me to come home.”
About a month later, doctors determined Adams had dilated cardiomyopathy. The condition causes the heart to stretch and become thinner, enlarging the affected areas. As a result, the heart can’t pump blood as well. Dilated cardiomyopathy can cause heart failure, leading to a wide array of symptoms. She received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or ICD, a device that monitors her heart rhythm and can shock it back into a normal rhythm if needed.
Eager to get back to normal, she attended cardiac rehab. It’s designed not only to help people recover physically but also mentally, according to Jeanmarie Gallagher, a clinical exercise physiologist who worked with Adams.
“The most consistent feedback I get from patients is that it helps their peace of mind,” Gallagher says. “They can exercise and be active without fear of further complications.”
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Indeed, after completing 11 sessions, Adams continued exercising on her own. She bought an exercise bike and joined a riding group. She has also cut down on red meat, alcohol and salt. She plans to run a 5K this spring.
“I want to be as heart-healthy as possible,” she says.
That includes avoiding stress. Rather than reacting to negative situations as she had in the past, she now counts to 10 – and focuses on her blessings. For instance, the driver of an airport cart said she appeared too fit and healthy to need a ride; instead of protesting, she laughed it off.
“I’m less reactionary and more grounded,” she shares. “I feel like a different person.”
Adams – who has a Ph.D. in applied linguistics – was writing a motivational book before her health woes. She returned to the project once healthy, bringing to it a deeper understanding of her message.
“Even if you don’t have control, you can take action and do something that matters and helps others,” she adds. The book was published last year.
To that end, she also started a blog about living with heart disease. She wants to spread the message that heart disease can happen to anybody, no matter their age or appearance.
“The more educated people are, the more likely it is that they will be able to advocate for themselves and help others,” she says. “I want to make an impact.”
When to see a doctor
Some people with dilated cardiomyopathy may not have any signs or symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
If you do have signs, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea) during activity or while lying down
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, feet or belly (abdomen)
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
If you are experiencing shortness of breath or any other symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy, you should see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. If you have chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or severe difficulty breathing, call 911.
You should also pay close attention to your family history. Some types of dilated cardiomyopathy are inherited. Genetic testing may be recommended if a family member has dilated cardiomyopathy.
By American Heart Association