Heart of Resilience: Haven Bailey’s Journey Through Two Heart Attacks

In a patient interview, Haven Bailey shares her inspiring journey of surviving not one, but two heart attacks. Her story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the importance of listening to one's body.

Haven Bailey was raised in Illinois and is 64 years old. She has two grown children and works as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital, where she recently transitioned into a role in utilization review. Her father had early onset heart disease. For Haven, her first heart attack occurred when she was 46.

“I remember vividly waking up with heartburn, followed by chest and jaw pain,” she explains. Her second heart attack occurred on December 11. “It was my daughter’s birthday, and I remember it well.” she says.

Her symptoms were similar for both heart attacks, which made it easier to recognize when the second one occurred.

Treatment and Experience at St. Mary’s Hospital

Haven arrived at the hospital within the hour of her most recent heart attack. She soon was sent to St. Mary’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, where Dr. Hiren Patel performed a procedure to reopen the clogged blood vessel that was causing her heart attack.

“I was really impressed with my treatment at St. Mary’s,” Haven says. “I was pleasantly surprised by the number of providers caring for me and the excellent care I received. There was very little wait time, and everything flowed smoothly. The kindness and professionalism of the staff, along with the number of doctors involved in my care, made me feel comfortable and well-cared for.”

Life After Heart Attack

Her treatment plan included interventions during her stay and regular follow-ups. Due to her still experiencing chest pain, adjustments to her medication were made. She also began cardiac rehabilitation under the supervision and instruction of Todd Drake, a certified cardiac rehab professional and St. Mary’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program coordinator. The program has helped her rebuild her strength and confidence and has provided education on how to lead a healthy lifestyle – and hopefully prevent a future heart attack or stroke.

Following her experience, Haven has been diligently following her doctors' recommendations. She has made changes to her lifestyle and keeps a close watch on her health. “I have significantly cut down on my salt intake and alcohol consumption.” she says. She continues to receive excellent care through cardiac rehab.

Listening to Your Body and Knowing the Risk

Haven's advice to others is to listen to your body. She highlights that women experience heart attacks differently than men and stresses the importance of advocating for oneself. “Heart attacks can come on at any age, and you know your body better than anyone else.” she emphasizes.

Heart Attack Signs and Symptoms:

1. Chest pain or discomfort
2. Discomfort in other areas of the body (jaw, one or both arms, neck, or stomach)
3. Shortness of breath (with or without chest pain)

Other Signs and Symptoms More Common in Women:

A heart attack occurs approximately every 40 seconds. While many women believe that the signs of a heart attack are unmistakable, they can actually be subtler and at times confusing. Some other symptoms to look out for include:

1. Cold sweat
2. Nausea/vomiting
3. Lightheadedness
4. Excessive tiredness

St. Mary’s offers numerous ways to monitor your health, receive treatment, and answer any questions you may have regarding your heart. If you have any concerns regarding your health, or even wish to receive a 2nd opinion regarding cardiac care you have received in the past, the team at St. Mary's is here to help and answer any questions and offer you peace of mind and next steps in your care.

The St. Mary's Cardiac Health Team offers:

1. Three hospitals with 24/7 emergency care
2. Certified as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI by the American College of Cardiology
3. Emergency and non-emergency cardiac cath procedures (balloon angioplasty and stent implantation)
4. Oconee Heart & Vascular Center – comprehensive heart and blood vessel care from Board-certified cardiologists
5. Advanced diagnostics
6. Rhythm disorders diagnosis and treatment
7. Cardiac device implantation and follow-up
8. Cardiac rehabilitation
9. Wellness services – smoking cessation, nutrition counseling, fitness center