Utah Mom’s Near-Death Experience on Treadmill Highlights Importance of Listening to Your Body

In a harrowing incident that underscores the unpredictable nature of heart health, Justine Carter, a 33-year-old mother from Utah, experienced a near-fatal heart attack while exercising on a treadmill. Justine, who was otherwise fit and healthy, had no prior warning signs of any underlying heart condition. The episode began with her feeling shortness of breath and experiencing back pain, symptoms she initially dismissed as a possible stomach flu. However, what unfolded next was a dramatic and life-threatening emergency that would forever change her perspective on health and wellness.

Justine’s ordeal started during a routine workout session that she was filming for social media. As she continued to exercise, she began to feel increasingly unwell. Her husband, Kevin, could hear her vomiting over the phone when she called him, and their young son, Tucker, later told Kevin that Justine was ‘sleeping.’ This alarming turn of events prompted immediate action. Justine’s mother-in-law, Teresa, who is a nurse, quickly arrived at the scene and found Justine having a seizure in the bathroom. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Teresa began performing CPR to keep Justine alive until paramedics could arrive.

When Justine was rushed to HCA Healthcare’s Mountain View Hospital, doctors diagnosed her with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), a rare and often deadly condition where a tear forms in the wall of a coronary artery. This tear can slow or block blood flow to the heart, leading to a heart attack, heart rhythm problems, or sudden death. SCAD is particularly perplexing because it typically affects healthy women in their 40s and 50s and has no known cause or risk factors. Justine’s case was even more unusual given her younger age and absence of traditional heart disease risk factors.

The initial diagnosis was only the beginning of Justine’s medical journey. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, she suffered a second heart attack just a week later. This subsequent cardiac event necessitated her transfer to another hospital equipped with a full cardiac team capable of handling more complex procedures. At this facility, doctors discovered that the initial tear in her coronary artery had grown, causing another blockage and putting immense strain on her heart. The medical team employed advanced techniques, including the use of a balloon and heart pump, to save her life.

Justine’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. Initially, there were significant concerns about potential neurological damage due to the 25 minutes her brain went without oxygen while her heart was not beating. However, thanks to the timely and skilled intervention of her mother-in-law and the emergency medical services, Justine has made a remarkable recovery. She now visits her cardiologist regularly and is slowly regaining her strength, although she has not yet been cleared for intense physical activities. Her experience has imparted critical lessons about the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking medical help when something feels off.

One of the most crucial takeaways from Justine’s story is the importance of knowing CPR. Her mother-in-law’s quick thinking and proficiency in CPR were instrumental in keeping her alive until professional medical help could arrive. Justine and Teresa are now advocates for CPR training, emphasizing that anyone can learn this life-saving skill and potentially save a loved one’s life in an emergency. They urge everyone to take a CPR class, as it could make the difference between life and death in critical situations.

SCAD remains a mysterious and unpredictable condition. While scientists believe that factors such as genetics, extreme physical or emotional stress, and hormonal influences may contribute to its occurrence, there is still much to learn about why it happens and how it can be prevented. What is clear, however, is that SCAD can strike anyone, regardless of their overall health and fitness levels. This unpredictability makes it all the more important for individuals to pay attention to any new or unusual symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if something feels wrong.

Despite the life-altering nature of her experience, Justine refuses to live in fear. She encourages others to enjoy life to the fullest and not take their health for granted. Her story serves as a poignant reminder that life is fragile and short, and it is essential to prioritize one’s health and well-being. Justine’s message is clear: listen to your body, seek help when needed, and cherish every moment you have with your loved ones.

In addition to raising awareness about SCAD and the importance of CPR, Justine’s story also highlights the value of independent journalism in bringing such critical issues to light. Reader support is vital in continuing to spotlight stories that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing a voice to underrepresented communities and addressing pressing health concerns. By sharing her experience, Justine hopes to inspire others to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health and to support efforts that promote public awareness and education.

As Justine continues her recovery, she remains committed to advocating for heart health and the importance of emergency preparedness. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community and family support. She credits her survival to the quick actions of her mother-in-law, the dedication of her medical team, and the outpouring of love and encouragement from her family and friends. Justine’s experience underscores the need for greater awareness and research into conditions like SCAD, which can have devastating consequences if not promptly and accurately diagnosed.

Ultimately, Justine’s story is a call to action for everyone to take their health seriously and to be vigilant about any changes in their physical condition. It is a reminder that even those who appear healthy and fit are not immune to sudden medical emergencies. By prioritizing health, learning life-saving skills like CPR, and supporting independent journalism that sheds light on these critical issues, we can all contribute to a healthier and more informed society. Justine’s journey serves as an inspiration and a wake-up call to never take our health for granted and to always listen to our bodies.