In an alarming turn of events on January 6, 2024, Faith Harrison, then a vibrant 22-year-old fitness coach from Shropshire, found herself grappling with an unexpected heart attack while returning home from a hockey match. What followed was a harrowing ordeal that lasted seven long hours, ultimately culminating in emergency surgery and a shocking diagnosis of heart failure.

Fast-forward a year, Faith is now 23 and has experienced a life transformation that many would find unimaginable. Despite being described as “very healthy” and “very fit” by her doctors, she acknowledges the initial naivety she had regarding her health conditions. “Looking back, I was quite naive about how sick I actually was,” she reflects, highlighting the severity of her experience.

The aftermath of her heart attack led to the discovery of two underlying congenital conditions. Faith was diagnosed with a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)—a small hole between the top two chambers of the heart—and May-Thurner Syndrome, a rare condition that typically affects women more than men. In her case, this syndrome compresses a vein in the pelvis, hindering proper blood flow back to the heart.

At the time of her heart failure diagnosis, doctors informed Faith that her ejection fraction—the percentage of blood the heart pumps out with each heartbeat—was a mere 27%, well below the normal range of over 50%. Today, she has made remarkable progress, with her heart's ejection fraction now sitting at 47%. "I've done 10 times more than I could’ve ever imagined," she asserts, a testament to her resilience and determination.

Beyond her medical journey, Faith has become an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation, tirelessly working to raise awareness about heart issues specifically faced by women. In the past year, she has achieved milestones such as getting engaged, qualifying as a Pilates instructor, and even launching her own podcast. Exciting projects are already on the horizon for 2025, showcasing her relentless spirit and drive.

However, this newfound joy has not come without sacrifices. Faith has had to completely overhaul her lifestyle. "I went from weight training and playing hockey to mat Pilates and reformer Pilates," she explains, indicating the need for lower-impact exercises. Additionally, she has made significant dietary changes and now relies on a regimen of numerous daily medications, including blood thinners.

“I don’t take anything, even the smallest things, for granted,” Faith emphasizes, sharing her newfound appreciation for everyday tasks—like climbing stairs or cleaning her house—that were once taken for granted. "For me, that’s extraordinary because so many people out there have what I have, or have gone through what I have, and they can't do those things."

Sadly, the trauma of her heart attack still lingers. Faith experiences flashbacks and has days when leaving the house feels daunting. “There are times when my heart races, I sweat, and I can visualize that day all over again,” she admits.

Faith Harrison's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the incredible strength that can arise in the face of adversity. Her story is not just one of survival, but also of personal reinvention and the unwavering spirit to thrive despite the odds. Stay tuned as she continues to inspire and advocate for heart health awareness, making a significant impact in her community and beyond.