Heart attack survivor trolled after sharing story
British Heart FoundationA woman who was trolled after suffering a heart attack has said people with cardiovascular disease still face stigma.
Louise McGill, from Waterhouses, near Esh Winning, County Durham, was living an active and healthy lifestyle and had completed a 5k run days before she became ill in 2017, at the age of 45.
When her story appeared on social media following recovery, she was shocked to read a comment that she had "eaten too many pies".
The British Heart Foundation said more than half of those living with a heart condition feel judged or embarrassed. It has unveiled 65 red benches across the country to provide a place to reflect and open up about fears and prejudice.
McGill was told she was having a heart attack by paramedics after she began to experience excruciating pressure and pain in her chest.
She was taken to Newcastle's Freeman Hospital and underwent a procedure to have a stent fitted in a blocked artery.
The rehab team later reassured her that she was a healthy weight - she ate healthily and exercised - but had high cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
'Unnecessary and unkind'
She said the comment insinuated that she might have brought it on herself, which "was hurtful and inaccurate".
"I'm resilient, but my family and friends had gone through a lot with me when I was ill, and the comment was unnecessary and unkind", she told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"As a mother though you feel guilty enough putting your children through a scare like my heart attack and you can't help but think did I do something to cause it?
"It was just one of the aspects of shaming and stigma that I've experienced as someone living with heart disease.
"It's something that affects lots of people and it's not right that somebody should behave that way."
She said she hoped the benches would provide a place to take time out to explain the "complex feelings" you can have after a diagnosis, as well as to share hopes for the future.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Louise's story shows the true reality of living with cardiovascular disease, and we are so grateful that they are courageously sharing their experiences to help others.
"Despite being one of the UK's biggest killers, our new findings show cardiovascular disease is still misunderstood or not taken seriously - and that those living with it face judgement and challenges."
