Heart Health SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2018
A Special Advertising Publication of The State Media Advertising Department and Lexington Medical Center
Outrunning Heart Disease A Lesson in Fainting, Family and Faith Diane McNinch loves to run. She routinely logs more than 20 miles a week around Columbia.
PA TI
EN
T
ST OR Y
“W
hen I’m running, I leave my stress behind, pray and spend time with friends,” she said. “It’s not only my fitness; it’s my therapy.” But there was a time when the 51 year old was afraid she wouldn’t be able to run anymore. “I have a history of fainting,” Diane said. Over the years, she fainted while pregnant with her daughter, when singing in church and after having hip surgery. There was never a definitive reason why. That’s until she went to an annual checkup with her primary care physician. Results of an EKG showed something was wrong with her William W. Brabham, heart’s electrical MD, FHRS activity. Diane’s doctor referred her to Lexington Cardiology, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice, for a full workup. At Lexington Cardiology, Diane received a diagnosis of Long QT Syndrome, a condition where the muscle cells of the heart take an abnormally long time to “recharge.” Untreated, LQTS can increase the risk for a life-threatening arrhythmia. “While many patients with LQTS don’t have any symptoms, others experience palpitations, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, seizures or even cardiac arrest,” said William W. Brabham, MD, FHRS, an electrophysiologist with Lexington Cardiology.
Diane McNinch on her favorite running trail in West Columbia
I’m so thankful for this technology.” LQTS can be acquired through certain medications that inhibit electrolyte movement. It can also be inherited from a parent or occur spontaneously without family history. Diane learned her case was genetic. So, she shared the news with her family.
“It’s like an insurance policy. If something goes wrong, the defibrillator will go off and I’ll be OK. I’m so thankful for this technology.” ~ Diane McNinch Doctors treat LQTS with medications called beta blockers or by implanting a defibrillator. Treatment decisions are individualized based on many factors. Dr. Brabham implanted a defibrillator in Diane’s side. “It’s like an insurance policy,” Diane said. “If something goes wrong, the defibrillator will go off and I’ll be OK.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Both of her parents also passed away after a history of heart problems. “Many people have no symptoms, no family history of heart problems and may never know they have the condition,” Dr. Brabham said. “Others may have a family history of sudden cardiac death or worrisome symptoms. They should see their doctor.” Using her own experience to help others, Diane stresses the importance of developing a relationship with your physician and knowing your family history. “I’m thankful our heart condition was found. Now that we know we have it, we can treat it,” she said.
On the Road Again
Family Ties
Diane, her brother and sister were screened for LQTS. Her sister tested positive. Her brother is waiting for his results. Diane’s two children — in their 20s — will be tested, too. Diane had an infant brother who died unexpectedly in the 1960s. She now wonders if he had the condition.
After having the defibrillator implanted, Diane took some time off from running. But doctors permitted her to work her way back into it gradually. She ran the Lexington Medical Center Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler in honor of her parents and their heart history. She also joined a
group called “Run for God,” a faith and endurance program. “‘Run for God’ not only helped me with running, it also taught me how to work through adversity,” she said. “I plan to persevere and make the best of my situation.”
A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice LMCLexingtonCardiology.com ————————————— Lexington Medical Park 1 2728 Sunset Boulevard Suite 300 West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 744-4940 ————————————— Northeast Columbia 90 Summit Centre Drive Columbia, SC 29229 (803) 744-4900
New Stent Available for Heart Patients
Hoops for Heart Health with USC Basketball Coach Frank Martin
Emergency Room or Urgent Care: Know Where to Go
Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease
PAGE 2
PAGE 4
PAGE 6
PAGE 7