Fit young woman surprised by heart attack
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Kerrie Lee Brown is leading a no excuses lifestyle. The Campbellville woman is consciously limiting the stressors in her life — has made a firm commitment to fitness — and has adopted a bountiful diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The reason for this transformation is simple; Kerrie’s life depends on it. “You don’t have to be obese necessarily. You don’t have to be a smoker. You don’t have to eat really poorly. Because I think I ate quite healthy. It can happen to anyone.”
She can say that now. But at age 39, Kerrie Lee Brown never guessed she was having a heart attack. It was a year ago last Christmas. The married mother of 2 thought the palpitations and shoulder pain was a symptom of holiday stress. “And it went all the way down my arm. But because it was my right side, I didn’t think right away that it was something to do with the heart. Actually I didn’t think it at all. But it went right around my back and actually paralyzed me for a little bit.”
Still sore, but with pain less intense, Kerrie went to her doctor a few days later. “She basically sent me right for tests. For an echocardiogram, ECG, all of these different tests for the heart. And I ended up failing the stress test which is the treadmill test which was so unusual for me because I run on the treadmill all the time.”
Tests confirmed Kerrie suffered a mild heart attack. She views it as a catalyst to improved health; ending the stress of a daily 4 hour commute for work and adding regular exercise. “I used to workout more sporadically. 2-3 times a week when I could. Now it’s 3 to 4 times a week regimentally. I also do more yoga and I’m trying to incorporate meditation as well.”
She’s also overhauled her diet. though she always ate reasonably well, kerrie says she’s much more conscious of the food she and her family are consuming. she’s added daily supplements to the mix as well. “It’s made a big difference in my life. I feel a lot less stress. I feel happier. And I think that my kids see i’m happier as well.”
Kerrie’s lifestyle changes might seem obvious. But surprisingly, it’s not a common action. A recent online survey commissioned by the Heart and Stroke Association found more than half of those who suffered a cardiac event were either unwilling to adopt healthier behaviours or unable to make them stick.
