Olympic legend Libby Trickett has shared details of a shock heart attack she suffered, just two months after giving birth to her fifth child.
The 41-year-old mum shared the details in an update to Instagram on Friday, revealing that she had suffered a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) – a type of heart attack where an artery wall in the heart tears, blocking blood flow.
“Turns out, in June last year, I would have been about two months postpartum after Archie, I actually had what turns out to be a type of heart attack,” Trickett said.
“It’s not caused by the normal things that cause heart attacks like build up of plaque and things like that,” she continued.
“But basically a tear that happens in the artery wall in the heart.”
The mum explained that she had been navigating the “frustrating condition” over the last few months, as it is relatively under research.
“It almost exclusively happens to women under the age of 50, it commonly happens in pregnant women or women who have recently given birth. There’s a genetic component it seems.”
“There’s a lot of uncertainty because there is a certain change of recurrence as well, and they don’t necessarily know why that happens,” she said.
“I will likely be on lifelong medication to manage my heart rate and my blood pressure.
“I need to do moderate cardio exercise, I can’t lift heavy weights, there’s question marks around rollercoasters and all different types of things,” she added.
“It’s been a lot.”
The swimming legend received an outpouring of support from friends and fans, with Home and Away star Penny MacNamee writing: “Thanks for sharing and being so vulnerable Libby, sending you so much love as you navigate this diagnosis.”
“Libby as always you are such a voice for good and sharing this big health challenge will help so many. Huge Maggie hugs,” added Australian author Maggie Dent.
“Thank you for using your experience to raise awareness of SCAD. I hope your recovery is speedy,” another person added.
Images: Instagram
