In a shocking incident that underscores that cardiac issues do not discriminate by age, a 24-year-old social media influencer faced a life-altering medical crisis while on a holiday in Paris. Faye Greenwood suffered a sudden heart attack, an event that ultimately necessitated a heart transplant, challenging the common perception that such severe health problems only affect the elderly.
From Parisian Holiday to Medical Nightmare
Speaking to the BBC on July 5, Greenwood recounted the terrifying episode that began during her trip to Paris with her now-fiancé, fellow influencer Ailbhe Lower, known online as Mr. Bruv. She experienced severe chest pain followed by vomiting, which quickly escalated into overwhelming agony. "I can’t really remember a lot, but I just felt I was in really bad pain, something I’ve never felt before," she described, adding that the moment felt like "doom" and as if "the world was closing in."
Her fiancé, Ailbhe Lower, highlighted a critical delay in her treatment. Due to her young age and language barriers in Paris, medical professionals did not immediately suspect a heart attack. This confusion led to a delay of nearly six and a half hours before she was finally admitted to a hospital, precious time lost in a cardiac emergency.
A Daunting Diagnosis and Swift Transplant
After the initial crisis, doctors diagnosed Greenwood with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged. However, they indicated this may not have been the direct cause of her heart attack, leaving the exact trigger still unknown. During her recovery, she was prepared for a potential wait of up to a year for a donor heart.
Fortunately, a match was found much sooner than anticipated. Greenwood's medical journey, from admission to discharge, spanned just over four months. Reflecting on the surreal experience, she said, "It’s just something you never really think that you’re going to have to deal with."
The Heavy Financial and Emotional Toll
The ordeal was not just physically and emotionally draining but also brought immense financial strain. Greenwood's hospital bill amounted to approximately $19,000 (around £14,000). Furthermore, the cost for an air ambulance to fly her back to the UK added another staggering $54,000 (roughly £40,000). Greenwood described this financial stress as "really scary," especially as the couple had been saving to move out of her fiancé’s mother’s house.
Ailbhe Lower expressed his anguish, feeling it was unfair that Greenwood, who led a healthier lifestyle than him, was the one to suffer the heart attack. Her experience has now transformed into a powerful public message. Faye Greenwood urges everyone, especially young people, to listen to their bodies and never ignore warning signs, no matter how fit or young they believe themselves to be.
Her story stands as a potent reminder that heart problems can strike anyone, reshaping a life in moments and leaving behind a trail of medical, emotional, and financial challenges to overcome.
