Erica’s Story
Erica Frank was 38 years old when she had three heart attacks over the course of one week.
The day her symptoms began, was much like any other. “I was getting ready for work and packing the kids’ bags for school, when I felt a numbness and tightness on one side of my neck. My left arm was numb, and I was nauseous, so I called my husband at work and asked him to take me to the hospital. When I got there, I was told that I was having a heart attack, and had to be transported to Buffalo General immediately.”
It turned out that Erica had a very narrow tear in the lower artery of her heart known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection, causing it to bleed. Once the hospital stopped the bleed, they assumed she was in the clear. However, her symptoms reappeared soon after she returned home, and Erica had two more heart attacks. A few weeks later, she began having migraines and ringing in her ears.
In undertaking her own research, Erica learned about a condition called fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). According to Johns Hopkins, FMD is a rare blood vessel disorder in which some of the strong, flexible cells of the arteries are replaced with cells that are more fibrous, less strong, and less flexible. FMD results in arteries becoming stiffer and more prone to damage, which can lead to high blood pressure, stenosis (narrowing of the arteries), aneurysm, and dissection of arteries. It is also different from most other vascular diseases because it does not involve inflammation or plaque. Doctors don’t know what causes FMD, but think it is likely genetic. It may also be hormone-related, as a high percentage of those diagnosed are women of childbearing age.
Erica had all of the symptoms of FMD and ultimately received a definitive diagnosis. She is under the care of Reza Banifatemi, M.D., of Great Lakes Cardiovascular, and takes medications for blood pressure, heart pain, and chest contractions. She is doing well, but has a 20% increased risk for having another heart attack, aneurysm, or stroke, and has already had a mini stroke.
Erica and her family are doing well, but they do worry about her. She is Director of Intellectual Property for Rich Products, and grateful for her employer’s support. She is proud of Rich’s Wellbeing Program, designed to engage each individual’s area of focus and interest. Rich’s also emphasizes the importance of mental/emotional, physical, financial, and social wellbeing with activity challenges, and events designed for healthy living and social connection, along with a fitness center and full service café that accommodates all diets and preferred eating styles.
Erica knows the importance of being her own advocate, while spreading awareness about women and heart disease. She is proud to have been last year’s keynote speaker at the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Luncheon, and tells all who will listen to be aware of what their bodies are telling them, and take care of themselves by adopting a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and exercise.
