Beach outing turns into hospital bed for Dr. Zoe Williams, as she switches from socializing with friends to pensively writing her will
Dr. Zoe Williams, a former Gladiator and current medic on This Morning, recently experienced a heart-stopping moment during a minibreak in Barcelona. The renowned medical professional, who is also an ambassador for the menopause platform Issviva.co.uk, found herself in a life-threatening situation when her heart rate spiked dangerously after a swim in the sea.
Upon realising the severity of her condition, Williams made a video message for her partner Stuart and son Lisbon, just in case she didn't make it home. She scanned the beach for the nearest lifeguard station as they often have defibrillators, and performed the Valsalva maneuver to try and regulate her heartbeat.
Fortunately, Williams' heart rate came down enough for her to feel a bit better, but was still too fast. She was rushed to a Spanish hospital, where she was diagnosed with an 'atrial flutter' - a condition that is rare in young, healthy people, but is often seen in athletes, according to a cardiologist.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of women's heart health. Menopause can indirectly increase the risk of heart disease, as it can alter the body in ways that increase the risk, such as loss of muscle mass, increased body fat in the abdomen, increased cholesterol, poorer blood glucose control, and symptoms of menopause itself such as sleep disturbance and stress.
This is concerning, as heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women in the UK. Shockingly, women in the UK are twice as likely to die from a heart attack than men. Williams, who is acutely aware of the need for women to consider their heart health, especially as they approach perimenopause and menopause, was reassured that her atrial flutter was not caused by Covid or vaccines.
The NHS offers a free health check every five years from the age of 40, and it's important to take up this offer, especially if you have any known risk factors such as a strong family history of heart disease, being of Black or South Asian heritage, having obesity, smoking, being inactive, or having an inflammatory health condition.
The British Heart Foundation estimated that over a decade, the lives of at least 8,000 women in England and Wales who died as a result of a heart attack could potentially have been saved if they had received the same standard of care as men. Williams, who now has a newfound respect for her body and health, is focusing on drinking mindfully, getting enough sleep, and practicing gratitude.
In a twist of irony, Williams' friend Jenny, a PT who had recently done a refresher course, was by her side during the incident. Women are less likely to spot a heart attack, have it diagnosed by a doctor, and receive the best treatment. Williams' experience serves as a reminder that women must be vigilant about their heart health and seek medical attention promptly if they experience any symptoms, such as pain or discomfort in the chest, feeling sick, sweaty, light-headed, or short of breath.
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