A Utah mom who experienced a heart attack while exercising on a treadmill is urging others to pay attention to their bodies and avoid pushing themselves too hard.

Last May, Justine Carter stepped on the treadmill for a quick energy boost, not realizing it would nearly kill her.

A 33-year-old Utah mother, who was previously fit and healthy, experienced shortness of breath and a sharp pain in her back that radiated to her chest just 12 minutes into her walk.

After experiencing violent vomiting, Carter believed she had contracted a severe stomach flu.

During an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, she stated that things became unclear at that point.

Carter spoke with his husband and mother-in-law, but he cannot recall the details of their conversations.

"I found myself in the hospital without realizing it."

Her husband and mother-in-law discovered her in the bathroom, where Carter seemed to be experiencing a seizure and had extremely slow breathing.

Teresa Carter, a nurse at HCA Healthcare's Mountain View Hospital in Payson, Utah, kept her alive with CPR until emergency medical services arrived.

Carter's heart remained still for 25 minutes, and her blood flowed only through CPR.

"The monitor displayed 'tombstone rhythm,' indicating that she was experiencing a heart attack and her heart muscle was not receiving sufficient oxygen."

Doctors at HCA Healthcare's Mountain View Hospital confirmed that Carter suffered from a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a tear in the wall of a coronary artery that can result in a heart attack, heart rhythm problems, or sudden death.

What to know about SCAD

No known cause or risk factors exist for Carter's SCAD condition.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the majority of patients with the condition are women aged 40 to 50 who are otherwise in good health.

"Patients are often women who are otherwise healthy."

The AHA's website states that while there is no specific known cause of SCAD, it is likely that multiple factors may contribute to it, including arterial abnormalities, genetics, hormonal influences, or inflammatory issues.

Dr. Mark Bair, medical director of the emergency department at HCA Healthcare's Mountain View Hospital, who treated Carter, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that although it is not entirely clear what causes SCAD, patients are often women, similar to Justine's case, who are otherwise healthy.

He stated that often, SCAD patients do not have any risk factors for heart disease.

"Fibromuscular dysplasia, genetic connective tissue disorders, and very high blood pressure are risk factors for extreme physical and emotional stress."

Carter had no concerning warning signs before the event.

She said, "I felt low on energy that day and wasn't up to par, but I thought it was due to the winter and cloudy weather."

A week after her first heart attack, Carter had another cardiac event upon returning home from the hospital.

She experienced chest pain, severe nausea, and dangerously low blood pressure.

She told Planet Chronicle Digital that the second event was just as scary as the first.

In case Carter required open-heart surgery, she was transported to HCA Healthcare's Timpanogos Regional Hospital, which has a full cath lab team and a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Carter's aortic tear had grown longer, resulting in increased swelling and another blockage, as discovered by the cardiac team.

"Teresa Carter stated that when she arrived at the hospital, her blood pressure was not life-supporting. She was terrified that her heart would give out and they might lose her."

‘Incredible’ recovery

Today, Carter is back at home, feeling stronger every day.

Bair informed Planet Chronicle Digital that Justine is doing well and has a positive outlook with proper care and preventative measures.

Bair was concerned about Carter's potential neurological damage due to the 25 minutes without oxygen to his brain when he first arrived at Mountain View Hospital's ER.

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Bair acknowledged that Carter's mother-in-law's survival was due to the CPR initiated by her mother-in-law and the resuscitation efforts of the EMS crews. Additionally, the "heroic steps" taken in the hospital to preserve her brain function were crucial, he noted.

"Her recovery has been incredible to watch," he added.

"It’s often the case that SCAD patients have few or no risk factors for heart disease at all."

"I am capable of enduring the entire day without requiring a nap."

Carter sees her cardiologist every three months to ensure her heart is functioning properly.

Bair highlighted the significance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as consuming a balanced diet, engaging in moderate physical activity, managing stress, and controlling high blood pressure, in preventing SCAD.

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Lessons learned

Carter's heart attacks have been "life-changing," she said, imparting valuable lessons.

1. Listen to your body

""We need to prioritize our own needs and communicate them clearly," she emphasized."

Carter's heart attacks have taught her to accept help from others and slow down.

"Now, if I'm tired, I just tap out."

"If something feels 'off,' don't hesitate," she advised. "Just call 911 because a lot of things can be prevented if you do that."

Baid emphasized the significance of monitoring new or distinct symptoms, such as chest pain, abnormal shortness of breath, and intense weakness or dizziness.

2. Learn life-saving techniques

"For non-medical individuals, learning first aid can be highly beneficial," stated Teresa Carter. "It's likely that you'll be able to assist someone you care about."

3. Don’t live in fear

Despite the unpredictability and unpreventability of SCAD events, Carter refuses to let fear control his life.

"If you spend every day in fear, you won't enjoy life."

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Carter reiterated her gratitude for the team at HCA Healthcare Mountain View Hospital.

"I'm only here because of them," she said. "All I can say is, ‘Thank you.’"