When Karen Scott decided to go for a routine health MOT, she never imagined it would uncover something life-threatening. At 56, with no noticeable symptoms, she was simply looking for reassurance on her well-being. To her shock, the tests revealed an atrioventricular (AV) heart block, a potentially dangerous condition affecting the heart’s electrical impulses. This can result in a dangerously slow heartbeat, reduced blood flow, and, if untreated, even lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.
Karen, who felt perfectly fine, only sometimes noticed breathlessness during workouts, which she thought was normal for her age. The diagnosis was an unexpected wake-up call. Caught early, the condition hadn’t yet caused any severe harm, but the awareness saved her from an uncertain future.
After quick referrals and more tests at Basildon Hospital, Karen learned she was in the initial stage of heart failure, meaning the intervention came just in time. Now, she’s on lifelong medication and undergoing regular check-ups to monitor her health. Discovering the heart block has also prompted her family to consider genetic testing, hoping to prevent similar scares for her loved ones.
Karen feels deeply grateful for having taken the health check that steered her toward life-saving treatment. Her message for everyone? Don’t wait for symptoms to appear; your health is invaluable. Early detection through regular health screenings could be a lifesaver.
Feeling inspired by Karen’s story? Take your health seriously and consider regular check-ups—it’s a small price for peace of mind and potentially life-saving insight. Stay healthy and safe! ❤️