Healthy woman told she had ’24 hours to live’ after feeling ‘a ripping in her chest’ at the gym

A FIT and healthy woman was told she had ’24 hours to live’ after feeling a ripping in her chest.

Marie-Anne August first became ill during an exercise session at the gym.

The 45-year-old fitness addict was rushed to Torbay Hospital in Devon, where she was seen by a consultant and had blood tests and an ECG.

The results came back, and Marie-Anne was sent home with a clean bill of health.

Two days later, her family grew increasingly concerned – saying she “didn’t look right” and pushed her to go back to the hospital.

“I couldn’t breathe and the pain was absolutely excruciating,” the NHS communications worker from Newton Abbot, Devon, said.

It turns out Marie-Anne was experiencing an aortic dissection, which is when the wall of the main artery (aorta) tears.

“The diagnosis took me by surprise because I thought I was so fit,” she says.

“When the aortic dissection happened, I felt a ripping in my chest, followed by a bubbling feeling.”

Aortic dissection is most common in people aged over 65, with 35 cases per 100,000 people per year in that age group.

It is when the wall of the aorta tears, causing blood to leak between the layers that make up the walls of the arteries.

Marie-Anne was rushed into open heart surgery at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

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She said: “I was absolutely terrified.

“I didn’t realise how serious it was until I got to the hospital, then was told I had less than 24 hours to live and that they had to operate immediately.

“They also listed all the complications that could occur – stroke, loss of limbs, paralysis and lots of other things.

“I was just so frightened.”

Conditions of the aorta, which also includes aorta aneurysm, can be life-threatening.

High blood pressure is one of the most common risk factors for aorta dissection, as it can weaken the wall of the aorta over time. But some people are born with a condition that causes the aorta wall to weaken, such as Turner syndrome.

Marie-Ann claims when she was seen by the hospital, there had been markers of aortic dissection then.

“I wasn’t upset at being discharged the first time as I didn’t know what was happening, although I did feel very ill,” she said.

“An aortic dissection is very difficult for the doctors to spot unless you have a CT scan.

“I also understand how rare it is and how infrequently medical teams must see dissections.

[quote credit=”Marie-Anne August”]It’s such a change – from being someone who is quite fit and active – to all the things I can’t do[/quote]

“But I do feel disappointed it wasn’t picked up now I know how serious it was.

“It’s not their fault but more awareness and education within A&E is essential because many people aren’t as lucky as me.

“I have always been very active and played lots of sports and have been going to the gym nearly my whole life.

“I believe that being fit and healthy is the reason I survived two days when I was initially turned away from A&E.”

A year on from a close call with death

Thankfully, the operation was a success.

Marie-Anne added: “Five days after the operation I was back at home.

“I think I recovered quicker than some.

“I didn’t really have any guidance as to what I could and couldn’t do.

“But I was in so much pain post-operation for the first month that I couldn’t do much [beyond] going for slow walks with my dad.”

It’s now been nearly a year since Marie-Anne’s close call with death on 24 April 2024.

With the help of family and friends, she’s recovered enough to return to work.

But while she’s out of immediate danger, the fitness addict – who loves CrossFit, playing tennis and swimming – can’t do certain sports.

She can no longer run fast, ski, water ski, or do high-intensity exercise, amongst other things.

She added: “I’m doing OK now.

“I have residual damage to my aorta so I need to watch what I do and monitor my blood pressure.

“I am trying to find my feet but overall I’m doing much better than expected.

“But it’s such a change – from being someone who is quite fit and active – to all the things I can’t do.

“And that makes me very sad.

“Not being able to do what I did before is the biggest adjustment for me and with no real guidance as to what to do safely it causes a lot of fear.

“But I’m pretty determined to figure out what I can do safely.

“My gym’s been really great helping me with cardiac rehab.

“And I’m determined to get back to full health if possible with my limitations.”

A spokesperson on behalf of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said: “Anyone who has concerns over the care they are receiving is encouraged to discuss this with the ward teams and ward matrons during their time at the hospital; patients can also speak with our Patient Advice and Liaison Service for any unresolved concerns.

“Due to patient confidentiality, we are unable to discuss individual matters.”

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