The terrifying reality
Imagine feeling like you have a bit of indigestion, and then suddenly, you're gone. That’s essentially what happened to Sandra McCartney, a mother-of-four from Londonderry, during a 2019 New Year’s Eve holiday in Spain. At 59, Sandra suffered a cardiac arrest and was clinically dead for 10 minutes. Her heart stopped beating, and she lost all pulse and breath. Paramedics had to work in a frantic race against time, delivering five shots of adrenaline and six defibrillator shocks to restart her heart.
It’s giving… genetic mystery
Sandra was shocked because she lived a healthy lifestyle and felt fine. But real talk: she was living with a ticking time bomb. Doctors discovered she had familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), a genetic condition that causes dangerously high cholesterol. If it’s not caught, it leads to early heart disease and heart attacks. Experts at the British Heart Foundation estimate over 250,000 people in the UK have it, but here is the tea: over two-thirds of them have no idea.
The recovery journey
Her recovery was honestly a nightmare. She was ventilated for 11 days, faced lung collapse, and struggled with muscle wastage so severe she needed a wheelchair. Today, Sandra lives with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to prevent future incidents and manages PTSD. Simple chores like making the bed can still leave her breathless.
Why it matters
FH is a silent killer, but it doesn't have to be. Northern Ireland currently has the best detection rate in the UK thanks to a screening service that contacts the relatives of anyone diagnosed to offer them testing. Since the condition is genetic—meaning there’s a 50% chance a child could have it if one parent does—screening is a major W for families. If you’re worried, it’s worth noting that once diagnosed, simple cholesterol-lowering meds can keep it under control. Don’t sleep on your health—even if you feel fine, genetic conditions don't always give you a heads-up.
