A TikToker is using social media to raise awareness of heart attacks after having one at 46 with no prior diagnosed medical conditions.
Unexpected Symptoms Before the Heart Attack
In February, TikToker Nikki (@martyandnikki) suffered a heart attack at the age of 46, despite having no prior medical conditions.
Initially, she dismissed her symptoms, which included left shoulder pain, nausea, and chest tightness, attributing them to indigestion or perimenopause.
However, after dining out, she experienced a full-blown heart attack, with intense chest pain and a radiating sensation down her arm.
Hospital Findings and Heart Attack Diagnosis
Upon arriving at the hospital, Nikki’s electrocardiogram (ECG) results were alarming, and her troponin levels were dangerously high.
Despite no blockages, plaque, or clots being found, doctors treated her with nitroglycerin to ease a suspected coronary spasm.
Additional tests, including cholesterol, lipoprotein, and calcium scores, returned normal results.
An echocardiogram showed minor abnormalities, leading to speculation about broken heart syndrome.
Two angiograms confirmed there was no lasting damage.
Ongoing Symptoms and Search for Answers
Five weeks post-heart attack, Nikki continued experiencing chest pain and tachycardia (rapid heart rate), requiring multiple emergency room visits.
Though her troponin levels had returned to normal, her EKGs remained abnormal.
Frustrated by the lack of clarity, she turned to research and online discussions, ultimately discovering a TED Talk by a Texas-based doctor specializing in heart conditions.
A New Diagnosis: Prinzmetal Angina
After visiting the specialist, Nikki was diagnosed with Prinzmetal angina, a condition characterized by coronary vasospasms.
This type of angina, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic, causes chest pain episodes at rest, often occurring at night, without showing signs of coronary artery disease in standard tests.
The doctor determined that Nikki’s heart attack was likely triggered by a combination of a recent traumatic event, perimenopause, and an illness.
Her symptoms lasted longer due to improper treatment. She was taken off unnecessary medications and given a better treatment plan, including keeping nitroglycerin with her at all times.
Recovery and Hope After Heart Attack
Since starting the new treatment, Nikki reports significant improvement, stating she has had “zero chest pain in the last two days” and feels better than she has in over a month.
While she acknowledges there is still a long road ahead, she views this as a major step in the right direction.
Her experience serves as a vital reminder to take unexpected symptoms seriously and seek medical attention when something feels off.
Early intervention can make all the difference in heart health and overall well-being.
@martyandnikki Heart attack update and how TikTok helped me head in the right direction. Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to comment helpful suggestions. I truly appreciate you! Hope this video helps someone. #martyandnikki #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattacksymptoms #heartattackwomen #storytime