A young woman from the West Midlands has issued a stark warning after suffering a life-threatening heart attack at the age of just 27, despite being a fit and healthy gym enthusiast.
A Fit Lifestyle, A Hidden Threat
In 2013, Neena Chauhan from Solihull was living an active life as a health and fitness influencer. A regular at the gym, she represented a picture of vitality. However, for several weeks she experienced recurring chest pains, which she mistakenly dismissed as a minor issue and did not seek urgent medical help.
The Crushing Reality of a Cardiac Emergency
The crisis struck at her family home. Neena was suddenly overcome by an intense, "crushing" pain in her chest that she later described as feeling like "an elephant was sitting on me." The severe discomfort was accompanied by a telling sensation of pins and needles travelling down her left arm.
Her mother and siblings, witnessing her writhing in agony and sweating profusely, immediately called an ambulance. She was rushed to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where the seriousness of the situation became clear.
Immediate Intervention and Mental Scars
Doctors acted swiftly, performing an emergency procedure to fit a stent and open a blocked artery, restoring crucial blood flow to her heart. The medical team informed her that any delay could have led to a fatal cardiac arrest.
While physically she recovered, the psychological impact was profound. Neena developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), living in fear for two years and being too scared to leave her room or exert herself.
Taking Back Control and Supporting Research
A turning point came after a holiday in Marbella with loved ones. Seeing photographs of herself prompted a decision to reclaim her life. She began the slow, careful process of rebuilding her confidence by easing back into exercise.
Neena is now championing the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Christmas campaign. She is urging public donations to fund critical research, such as investigations into a simple finger-prick test that could identify people at high risk of a heart attack before it strikes.
Her story is a powerful reminder that heart attacks can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, and that recognising symptoms like persistent chest pain is crucial.
