Woman Overcomes Rare Condition Causing Heart to Stop When Swallowing
'I have an ultra-rare condition that makes my heart stop whenever I swallow'
Image: Mirror
Sarah Hall, a 50-year-old mother from St Albans, Hertfordshire, faced a rare condition called cardioinhibitory swallow syncope, which caused her heart to stop during meals. After undergoing a pioneering procedure, she has regained her normal life without fear of blackouts.
- 01Sarah Hall experienced her heart pausing 12 times in one day due to cardioinhibitory swallow syncope, a rare condition affecting fewer than 150 people globally.
- 02The condition caused her to avoid eating in public and led to significant lifestyle changes, including being signed off work for several months.
- 03After failing conventional treatments, she participated in a medical trial for cardioneural ablation (CNA), which targets the nerves causing the heart's dangerous response.
- 04The innovative procedure has dramatically reduced fainting episodes, allowing patients to return to normal activities without needing a pacemaker.
- 05Since the ablation in 2024, Sarah has not experienced any blackouts and has resumed her social life and work.
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Sarah Hall, a 50-year-old mother from St Albans, Hertfordshire, suffered from cardioinhibitory swallow syncope, a rare condition that caused her heart to stop during swallowing, leading to fainting spells and blackouts. Diagnosed after experiencing multiple episodes, Sarah's condition severely impacted her daily life, forcing her to avoid public meals and take time off work. After conventional treatments failed, she participated in a groundbreaking medical trial for cardioneural ablation (CNA), which targets the nerves responsible for the heart's dangerous response. Supported by the British Heart Foundation, the procedure has shown promising results, significantly reducing fainting episodes among participants. Following her treatment in 2024, Sarah has not experienced any further blackouts, allowing her to enjoy meals and social activities without fear. She expressed gratitude for the medical advancements that have restored her quality of life.
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Sarah's condition affected her ability to work and socialize, significantly impacting her quality of life.
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