Joanne Matos is an individual who has navigated the challenges of serious cardiovascular health issues, including heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. These conditions, which are interconnected, can significantly impact the quality of life, yet Joanne’s journey reflects the strength and resilience required to overcome such daunting health battles. Heart failure, which occurs when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, can lead to a cascade of complications, including an increased risk of heart attack—where a blockage interrupts blood flow to the heart muscle. Similarly, stroke, which is often linked to cardiovascular disease, happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Through her experiences, Joanne provides insight into the importance of managing heart health and the potential for recovery, offering a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
How This 37-Year-Old Mom Learned to Thrive With Congestive Heart Failure
Joanne Matos has lived with an extraordinary set of health challenges stemming from congenital heart conditions. Born with an enlarged heart and diagnosed with congestive heart failure— a condition where the heart struggles to pump enough blood to vital organs—Joanne’s journey has been shaped by resilience and determination.
Doctors had cautioned her at a young age that pregnancy could severely impact her health. Yet, at 16, Joanne became pregnant with her first son, defying medical expectations. “I told my parents when I was around five or six months pregnant. They weren’t thrilled at first, but then it became the biggest miracle,” she shared with Healthline.
Her son was born via cesarean section due to prematurity and breech positioning, adding further complexities to an already fragile health situation. As cardiologist Dr. Aeshita Dwivedi of Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital explained, pregnancy can significantly exacerbate heart failure by putting additional strain on the heart.
Despite the challenges, Joanne’s first child brought immense joy and a positive shift in her life. Eight years later, she gave birth to her second son, continuing to navigate the balance between her health and her family. Through it all, her story stands as a testament to perseverance and the strength of the human spirit.
Heart Complications Lead To A Stroke
As a child, Joanne Matos had a deep passion for sports, playing basketball and soccer despite her two heart conditions. However, her athletic pursuits often came with consequences. After intense physical activity, she would sometimes experience seizures, prompting doctors to advise her parents against allowing her to engage in sports or any strenuous activities. Yet, Joanne’s love for sports was unwavering. “All I knew was sports. I continued basketball and soccer. I was the star,” she recalled with pride.
When her sons came into her life, she continued to stay active, playing with them and maintaining her physical activity. But in 2018, while training for a 5K on her treadmill, Joanne experienced a terrifying episode. She began feeling nauseous, and her vision became blurred and distorted.
“I thought I was dying… at first, it felt like a seizure — the spinning, the dizziness. I thought, OK, I know I’m going to fall and hit my head, so I’m just going to sit down and get on the floor now,” she said, describing the frightening moment.
Her youngest son, only five years old at the time, was home with her. Concerned about leaving him alone, she didn’t call 911. Instead, she decided to ride out the episode, which felt interminable. Eventually, her vision returned.
The following day, she went to work, though her face was swollen and drooping. After enduring a severe headache the next day, she decided to visit the hospital. “I kept thinking I had internal bleeding because my mom passed from bleeding in the brain. I guess she had heart failure,” Matos shared, recalling the anxiety she felt due to her family history.
After a weeklong stay at the hospital, doctors determined that Joanne had suffered a stroke. According to Dr. Isla McClelland, a specialist in adult congenital heart disease at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, when the heart’s muscle is weakened, blood flow is no longer as robust. This sluggish blood flow can lead to the formation of blood clots, which, when released from the heart, can increase the risk of stroke.
In 2019, Joanne had a pacemaker implanted to regulate her heart’s irregular rhythm. Yet, the challenges didn’t end there. Within the next year, she experienced two silent heart attacks. Silent heart attacks, which occur without typical symptoms, result from a blockage in one of the heart’s arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle and causing damage without the patient’s immediate awareness.
Joanne’s journey through these life-altering health challenges underscores both the unpredictable nature of heart disease and her remarkable strength and determination to push forward despite the odds.
Lvad Helped Extend Her Life
Joanne Matos’s journey took a hopeful turn when she was introduced to the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a life-saving technology that would play a crucial role in extending her life.
As her heart failure worsened, doctors recommended the LVAD, a mechanical pump designed to help the heart’s left ventricle pump blood more effectively. The device is often used as a bridge to heart transplant or, in some cases, as a long-term solution for those ineligible for a transplant.
For Joanne, the LVAD provided a vital boost. It helped alleviate the strain on her heart, improving circulation and increasing her overall energy levels. As she adjusted to life with the device, she found that it enabled her to continue caring for her family and pursuing the activities she loved, such as spending time with her sons.
While her health challenges continue to demand constant attention, the LVAD has proven to be a pivotal factor in her survival, giving Joanne more time to enjoy life and cherish precious moments with her loved ones. Her experience with LVAD is a testament to the incredible advancements in heart disease treatment and the resilience of those who face life-threatening conditions head-on.
Visit Now: Salt Substitutes Reduce Stroke Recurrence Death Risk
Her Road To Recovery
Joanne Matos’s recovery after receiving the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) was a long and challenging process, taking six months of intense effort and perseverance. Despite the obstacles, she remained determined to improve each day, gradually pushing herself to move more.
She continues to exercise within the limits her doctor has set, including using the elliptical machine, and she remains hopeful about participating in a 5K event in the spring. “If you can’t do one thing, find something else you like,” she advises, maintaining a positive outlook despite the changes to her lifestyle.
While Matos has had to make certain sacrifices due to her condition, such as giving up swimming and kayaking—activities she loved—she believes these sacrifices were necessary to improve her health and prolong her life. The greatest reward of all came immediately after her LVAD surgery. “That very moment I was able to breathe. People take these little things for granted,” she recalled. “I felt like I was dying for so long, but that first breath… that’s when it hit me.”
Now, thanks to the life-saving benefits of the LVAD, Matos is well enough that her doctors plan to place her on the heart transplant list next year. She remains steadfast in her belief that heart failure doesn’t have to be a death sentence but rather “a bump in the road” on her life’s journey.
“Heart failure is part of your life journey,” Matos said. “You have to believe in yourself, trust your doctors, follow the medications prescribed, but ultimately, you have to stay positive.” Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and a hopeful mindset, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What health conditions have Joanne Matos faced?
Joanne Matos has lived with congenital heart failure, heart attacks, and stroke. She was born with an enlarged heart and diagnosed with congestive heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to vital organs. Over time, she also experienced silent heart attacks and suffered a stroke due to complications related to her weakened heart.
How did Joanne’s heart condition impact her life?
Joanne’s heart condition significantly impacted her daily life. Despite being advised by doctors to avoid strenuous activities, she continued to play sports as a child, such as basketball and soccer. As an adult, her condition required constant management and medical intervention, including the implantation of a pacemaker and an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) to help her heart pump blood more effectively.
What led to Joanne’s stroke?
Joanne’s stroke was caused by the combination of her weakened heart muscle and blood flow issues. When the heart isn’t pumping blood effectively, it can lead to the formation of blood clots, which may be ejected from the heart and cause a stroke. She had no immediate warning signs, and the stroke was only diagnosed after a weeklong hospital stay.
How has Joanne’s heart failure been treated?
Joanne’s heart failure has been treated through a combination of medications, a pacemaker, and ultimately an LVAD. The LVAD helps her heart pump blood more efficiently and has been essential in improving her quality of life and extending her survival. She continues to follow her doctor’s recommendations closely to manage her condition.
What changes has Joanne made to her lifestyle?
Joanne has had to make significant lifestyle adjustments due to her heart condition. While she was forced to give up certain activities, such as swimming and kayaking, she remains active by following her doctor’s guidelines. She exercises regularly on an elliptical machine and hopes to walk or jog in a 5K event soon. Her focus remains on maintaining her health and finding joy in activities that are safe for her.
How did the LVAD improve Joanne’s quality of life?
The LVAD has made a substantial difference in Joanne’s life by improving her heart’s ability to pump blood and reducing the strain on her body. It allowed her to breathe more easily and gave her the energy to care for her family. For Joanne, the moment she woke up from surgery and could take a deep breath was a life-changing moment.
What’s next for Joanne?
Joanne is continuing her recovery with the help of her medical team and is on track to be placed on the heart transplant list next year. Her story demonstrates that heart failure does not necessarily mean a death sentence, but rather a part of her ongoing life journey. With the support of her doctors and a positive attitude, she remains hopeful for the future.
What advice does Joanne have for others with heart conditions?
Joanne encourages others with heart failure or similar conditions to stay positive, trust their doctors, and follow their prescribed treatment plans. She believes that it’s important to believe in yourself, adapt to challenges, and focus on finding alternatives when certain activities are no longer possible. Her resilience is a powerful message to those facing similar health battles.
Conclusion
Joanne Matos’s journey through heart failure, heart attack, and stroke is a powerful testament to resilience, strength, and determination. Born with congenital heart conditions, she faced immense challenges from a young age, yet never allowed her health issues to define her. Despite warnings from doctors and the constant risk to her well-being, Joanne pushed forward with her love for sports and later, her family life.
Even when faced with a stroke and multiple heart attacks, she did not give up. With the help of medical interventions like the pacemaker and LVAD, Joanne’s life was extended, and her quality of life significantly improved. She continues to be an inspiration to others facing similar struggles, proving that heart failure is not a death sentence but rather a challenge to be overcome.