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Colorado Cardiac Nurse, After Three Heart Attacks, Offers Survival Tips: 'Listen To Your Gut'
As a registered nurse in Colorado, Jennifer Harlan cares for cardiac patients for a living — but in the past five years, she herself has survived three heart attacks.
Last week, Harlan, 53, had the opportunity to meet with the EMS crew who saved her life at HCA Healthcare's Sky Ridge Medical Center in Denver, Colorado.
"I cannot thank them enough — they are the reason I am here today," she said.
Harlan revealed the details of her heart health journey — along with her prevention tips — to Fox News Digital.
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Her first heart attack was in February 2018, when she was just 47 years old, she said.
"I woke up in the middle of the night with distinct symptoms of a heart attack — shooting pain down my left arm, sweating, pale, nauseous," she said.
Jennifer Harlan, 53, was reunited with the EMS crew who saved her life at HCA Healthcare's Sky Ridge Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. (HCA Healthcare's Rose Medical Center)
Harlan went to the emergency department and spent the following night in the hospital, but her tests came back normal — so she was discharged.
"The symptoms returned two days later, but I ignored them, convinced there was no way I was having a heart attack," Harlan said. "By the time I was seen by a cardiologist – three days after the symptoms returned – I had lost blood flow to a large portion of my heart."
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Harlan's left anterior descending artery (LAD) — which is the largest coronary artery that carries blood to the heart — had dissected, clotted and formed scar tissue.
"I had lost 30% of my heart function," she said.
The official diagnosis was SCAD, or spontaneous coronary artery dissection, which is a rare heart condition that happens suddenly with no apparent warning or prior risk factors.
Jennifer Harlan hugs one of the EMS workers who helped save her life after her most recent heart attack. Her husband, Lance Harlan, is at left. (HCA Healthcare's Rose Medical Center)
The next occurrence was nearly three years later, in October 2021. Harlan was at work when she felt the same symptoms as with her first heart attack.
"I got immediately to the emergency department, and was diagnosed with a second occurrence of SCAD, this time affecting two different arteries," she told Fox News Digital. "But because I got help quickly, the damage was minimal."
Nearly two years later, in August 2023, Harlan had her most recent episode.
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"I again woke up in the middle of the night with the same symptoms and went to the emergency department," she said. "As my symptoms had resolved and my tests were all normal, I was eventually discharged."
Later that night, while watching TV on the couch, Harlan's husband looked over and saw that she was unconscious and starting to turn blue.
"He pulled me onto the floor, called 911 and immediately started CPR," Harlan said. "I was in full cardiac arrest."
Jennifer Harlan is pictured with her husband Lance Harlan. "I'm alive today because my husband was trained in CPR, and started chest compressions on me almost immediately," Harlan said. (Jennifer Harlan)
When first responders arrived at Harlan's house, "I was shocked twice before I got a heartbeat back," she said.
"They transported me to the hospital, where I lost my pulse again and was shocked again. I ended up intubated and with a chest tube."
Harlan spent five days in the ICU.
"This entire experience has taught me that you never know what tomorrow could bring."
After the doctors discovered that she had yet another tear in a small artery that had caused a clot, Harlan received an implanted defibrillator/pacemaker.
She also had several broken ribs and a broken sternum as a result of the CPR.
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"That was the most difficult part of my recovery, and it took several weeks for everything to heal," she said. "Additionally, when you get a pacemaker placed, you have very limited mobility in your left arm for several weeks while the pacemaker heals in place."
Harlan, a nurse at Rose Medical Center, was treated at the HCA Healthcare "sister hospital," Sky Ridge Medical Center, which is a level 2 trauma center.
Harlan, a nurse at Rose Medical Center, was treated at the HCA Healthcare "sister hospital," Sky Ridge Medical Center, which is a level 2 trauma center. "We were so honored to care for our colleague as a member of our own family," said David Welcom, director of cardiovascular services at the hospital. (HCA Healthcare's Rose Medical Center)
"We were so honored to care for our colleague as a member of our own family," said David Welcom, director of cardiovascular services at the hospital.
"Our Sky Ridge cardiovascular team is available 24/7 to ensure that we provide that same level of care for our community when minutes make a difference."
What to know about SCADHarlan's condition, SCAD, has no known cause or risk factors.
Most patients who have the condition are women in their 40s and 50s who are otherwise healthy, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
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While there is no specific known cause, "scientists think it's likely that multiple factors may cause SCAD, such as abnormalities in the arteries, genetics, hormonal influences or inflammatory issues," the AHA's website states.
External stressors could also elevate risk.
"I just try to live each day with gratitude that three times now, I've been given another chance, and I'm trying to be worthy of that gift."
"I have always led a healthy lifestyle," Harlan told Fox News Digital. "I eat well and love to exercise. Yoga and spinning are my favorites."
She went on, "That's the challenging part — I have no risk factors for heart disease. I've got low blood pressure and low cholesterol. Nobody saw this coming."
Harlan doesn't have any limitations as to what she can and can't do. Her cardiologist encourages her to be as active as she wants, she said.
She's now made a full recovery and is back to doing yoga and walking for exercise.
Being a patient gave Harlan a different perspective on how to care for others, she said. "It's not enough to just be a strong, intelligent clinical nurse," she said. "You also have to understand all the anxiety that comes with being a patient in the hospital." (HCA Healthcare's Rose Medical Center)
Looking ahead, Harlan said she isn't too worried about future heart attacks.
"I never thought I would have a third occurrence of SCAD — that's practically unheard of — so, I'd like to think I'm good," she said.
Having the internal defibrillator also adds a level of security.
Harlan (right) is pictured receiving an award at HCA Healthcare's Rose Medical Center. (HCA Healthcare's Rose Medical Center)
"If I were to go into cardiac arrest again, the defibrillator would shock me back into a normal rhythm within two minutes," she noted. "That for sure helps me and my husband sleep better at night."
Harlan also received an echocardiogram during her last hospital visit, which showed that her heart had fully regained the 30% that was lost in the first heart attack.
Her next echocardiogram is scheduled for March.
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Being a patient gave Harlan a different perspective on how to care for others, she said.
"It's not enough to just be a strong, intelligent clinical nurse," she said. "You also have to understand all the anxiety that comes with being a patient in the hospital — the unknown and unfamiliar, the worry about what the diagnosis is, the sudden lack of control you have over your most basic functions."
"The longer you wait to seek help for things like heart attack and stroke, the more likely you are to have permanent damage and loss of function."
The nurse believes that the hospital experience was most likely easier for her because she's familiar with the clinical setting.
"I know the equipment and the tests and the lingo," Harlan said. "For someone who's never been in the hospital before, it can be very uncomfortable."
Lessons learned"This entire experience has taught me that you never know what tomorrow could bring," Harlan said.
"I'm not going to live my life in fear, because there's nothing I can do to prevent another occurrence," she added. "I just try to live each day with gratitude that three times now, I've been given another chance, and I'm trying to be worthy of that gift."
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While SCAD may have no known risk factors or prevention methods, Harlan said it's essential for people to pay close attention to the systems.
"Listen to your gut," she advised. "Even if you think you couldn't possibly be having a heart attack, you can. Get to the hospital and get yourself checked out."
Jennifer Harlan with her husband Lance Harlan. "Listen to your gut," she advised. "Even if you think you couldn't possibly be having a heart attack, you can. Get to the hospital and get yourself checked out." (Jennifer Harlan/HCA Healthcare's Rose Medical Center)
In health care, Harlan said, a common mantra is "time is tissue."
So "the longer you wait to seek help for things like heart attack and stroke, the more likely you are to have permanent damage and loss of function," the nurse said.
"It's better to go to the emergency department and get diagnosed with indigestion than to talk yourself out of what could be a very serious condition."
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Warning signs of SCAD include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, and profuse sweating and dizziness, the AHA noted.
Harlan also stressed the importance of getting CPR training.
Immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of someone surviving a heart attack, according to the AHA.
Harlan (center) is pictured at an American Heart Association event. (HCA Healthcare's Rose Medical Center)
Michael Miller, with South Metro Fire Rescue, was one of the EMS crew members who treated Harlan and was reunited with her last week.
"I would advise everyone to go and get CPR training before anything like this happens," added Miller, according to a local report from CBS Colorado.
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"I'm alive today because my husband was trained in CPR and started chest compressions on me almost immediately," Harlan said. "You never know when this could happen to a total stranger, or to someone you love."
She added, "Get trained and save a life."
For more Health articles, visit www.Foxnews.Com/health.
Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
What Could Cause Chest Pain?
Chest pain can stem from a heart problem, but other possible causes include a lung infection, muscle strain, a rib injury, or a panic attack. Some of these are serious conditions and need medical attention.
Chest pain is the second biggest cause of emergency room (ER) visits in the United States, leading to over 8 million ER visits every year. Worldwide, chest pain affects 20–40% of the general population.
In this article, learn about some possible causes of chest pain and other symptoms that can help identify them.
Various heart problems can cause pain in the chest.
1. Heart attackChest pain is one of the main symptoms of a heart attack. The others are:
Females, particularly may also experience sudden tiredness, nausea, or vomiting.
If someone thinks they are having a heart attack, they should seek emergency medical help. The quicker a person can get to the ER, the quicker treatment can begin.
Getting prompt treatment increases a person's chances of survival and potentially reduces the severity of the damage to the heart.
How do you recognize the signs of a heart attack?
2. MyocarditisMyocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, resulting in symptoms that are similar to a heart attack, such as:
Myocarditis usually results from a viral infection, according to the British Heart Foundation.
What is an inflamed heart?
3. AnginaAngina feels like a squeezing pain or pressure on the chest. It occurs when not enough blood is getting to the heart. A person may also feel pain in the:
Angina can feel like indigestion.
It is the most common symptom of coronary artery disease.
4. Aortic aneurysm and dissectionAortic dissection is a tear or separation of the inner layers of the aorta, the main artery that leads from the heart. This can lead to a buildup of blood in the artery.
An aortic aneurysm refers to an enlargement in the aorta. Both conditions can cause the aorta to rupture or burst.
Aortic dissection and a severe aortic aneurysm are emergencies and require immediate medical help. A stable aortic aneurysm may not need emergency treatment.
5. Coronary artery dissectionCoronary artery dissection occurs when there is a tear in the coronary artery wall. If the innermost layer tears, blood can seep through and build up, causing a bulge. It can lead to a heart attack.
Sudden intense pain that appears to "tear" across the chest, neck, back, or abdomen can be a symptom of coronary artery dissection.
This is a rare but serious condition. The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that experts do not know exactly why it happens, but it can affect people without the usual risk factors for heart disease.
6. PericarditisPericarditis is inflammation of the sac around the heart.
It can result in:
Possible causes may be infections, malignancy, autoimmune disease, metabolic abnormalities, trauma, and medications. In up to 90% of cases, no clear cause can be found despite extensive testing.
7. Mitral valve prolapseA mitral valve prolapse is a valve in the heart that is unable to close fully. In mild cases, this condition may have no obvious symptoms.
If symptoms occur, they include:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the heart growing too thick due to genetic factors. The thickening of the heart prevents blood from flowing from the heart properly, causing the muscle to work very hard to pump blood.
Symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include:
A person who notices this should seek medical advice, as it can worsen over time and lead to other complications, such as blood clots and heart failure.
Various lung problems can cause chest pain.
9. Pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood to the lungs. In some cases, this may result in chest pain.
It can happen for various reasons and can result in:
Pulmonary hypertension is not usually immediately life threatening, but it does need medical attention.
10. PleurisyPleurisy is inflammation of the membrane that covers the lungs.
Symptoms include:
Without treatment, it can lead to life threatening complications.
How can pleurisy affect the upper back?
11. PneumoniaLung infections such as pneumonia can cause sharp or stabbing chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing.
Other symptoms of pneumonia include:
A person with breathing difficulty needs immediate medical attention, as pneumonia can be life threatening.
Find out more about bacterial pneumonia and viral pneumonia.
12. Pulmonary embolismA pulmonary embolism is a blood clot getting trapped in an artery feeding blood to the lungs.
Common symptoms include:
Pulmonary embolisms can be life threatening without urgent treatment.
What is the risk of a pulmonary embolism after surgery?
13. COVID-19A person with COVID-19 may experience respiratory symptoms, pain, or pressure in the chest.
A person should seek immediate medical help if they have:
How does COVID-19 affect the lungs?
14. TuberculosisTuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs.
It can cause:
In the past, TB was nearly always fatal. Nowadays, antibiotics can usually treat it successfully.
What is pulmonary tuberculosis?
15. AsthmaAsthma is a common breathing disorder characterized by inflammation in the airways, which can cause chest pain.
Other symptoms include:
What is severe asthma?
16. Collapsed lungWhen air builds up in the space between the lungs and ribs, it leads to a collapsed lung, also known as pneumothorax.
Some people have no symptoms, but the following may occur:
The following conditions affect organs that play a role in digestion. Chest pain can be a symptom.
17. PancreatitisPancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis usually results from gallstones. Chronic, or long-term pancreatitis stems from genetic features or high alcohol consumption.
A person may notice:
If a person notices these symptoms for the first time, they should seek medical help at once.
What is the difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?
18. Esophageal spasmsEsophageal contraction disorders are spasms or contractions in the food pipe.
Symptoms include:
These disorders can also cause chest pain.
Learn more about treating esophageal spasms
19. Esophageal hypersensitivityIn a person with esophageal hypersensitivity, sensations that are not usually painful can cause severe pain.
Experts do not know exactly why this happens, but cells in the gullet may be particularly sensitive to acid. Stress may trigger symptoms in people who are susceptible.
20. Esophageal ruptureIf the food pipe bursts, this can result in sudden, intense chest pain. An esophageal rupture may occur after a procedure involving the esophagus or a traumatic injury.
Other possible symptoms include:
Peptic ulcers are sores in the stomach lining.
They can cause:
They do not usually cause intense pain but can result in recurring discomfort in the chest.
What are some natural remedies for peptic ulcers?
22. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)GERD refers to the movement of food contents to the esophagus.
It can lead to:
Over-the-counter antacids can often relieve GERD.
What is the best diet for a person with GERD?
Here are some other reasons chest pain might occur.
23. Panic attackA panic attack is a sudden attack of panic or fear. Often a person does not know why it happens, but it may be a symptom of a condition known as panic disorder.
The individual may experience:
The symptoms can resemble those of a heart attack.
A doctor may prescribe drugs, counseling, or both to help manage panic disorder.
How can you help someone who is having a panic attack?
24. Hiatal herniaA hiatal hernia is the stomach pushing up into the chest. This type of hernia is common and may not cause any symptoms.
However, if the top of the stomach pushes into the lower part of the chest after eating, it can cause symptoms of GERD.
These include:
In some cases, a hiatal hernia may need surgery.
How do surgeons repair a hernia?
25. CostochondritisCostochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage of the rib cage. It can cause pain and tenderness in the chest. The pain may start suddenly.
Costochondritis pain may get worse when:
Inflammation of the muscles and tendons around the ribs can result in persistent chest pain. If the pain becomes worse with activity, then it may be a symptom of a muscle strain.
Learn more here about a pulled muscle in the chest.
27. Injured ribsInjuries to the ribs, such as bruises, breaks, and fractures, can cause chest pain. A person may have heard a crack or felt extreme pain at the time of injury if they have a broken rib.
A person with a fractured rib may have:
What can you do if you have a broken rib?
It is always best to contact a doctor if chest pain comes on suddenly, especially if taking anti-inflammatory medications does not ease symptoms.
A person should seek emergency medical help if they have:
In some cases, chest pain can be life threatening. For this reason, a person should not ignore it.
Here are the answers to some questions people often ask about chest pain.
When should I worry about chest pain?Pain that is severe or feels like it is squeezing the chest could be a sign of a heart attack. Breathing difficulty is another sign of chest pain that could be serious. People with these symptoms should seek immediate medical help.
How do I know if my chest pain is serious?It is always best to contact a doctor if the chest pain is sudden. Other serious symptoms alongside chest pain include pain that spreads to the arms, back, neck, or jaw, tightness in the chest, or pain that starts with nausea, vomiting, and sweating.
Why am I having pain in my chest?Chest pain can occur for many reasons, ranging from muscle strain to a heart attack. It is best to seek medical advice for any type of chest pain, as some causes can have severe consequences.
What does chest pain feel like?This will depend on the cause. Pain that is heavy, squeezing, or radiating pain may be a sign of a heart problem. If there is reflux and difficulty swallowing, it could be due to a gastrointestinal problem. Breathing difficulty may indicate a broken rib, a heart condition, or a lung complaint.
What should I do if I have pain in the middle of my chest?Chest pain may occur for various reasons, and it is always good to get medical advice just in case.
Chest pain can happen for many reasons. Often, the other signs that occur with it will give an idea of why chest pain occurs.
However, any severe chest pain needs urgent medical attention, especially if it is radiating to the arm, back, or neck, if the heart rate changes, or if the person has trouble breathing.
Anyone with concerns about chest pain should seek medical advice to rule out life threatening causes and obtain suitable treatment.
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