Beloved SISD administrator recovers from massive heart attack and heart failure diagnosis.

Jennifer Salyards

Special to Beneath the Surface News

Jennifer Salyards, director of communications at Stephenville ISD, rarely starts or ends her day without prayer.

So, when she woke up one night with intense pain in her chest as she struggled to breathe, she immediately prayed for strength and healing and sought care at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville.

Upon arriving, Salyards learned she was experiencing a “widowmaker” heart attack, which happens when the heart’s largest artery, the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, has severe blockage.

For high-acuity care, Salyards was rushed to Fort Worth for an emergency stent procedure to repair her LAD artery.

Unfortunately, Salyards — who is just in her 40s — also was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, which is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood as well as it should.

More than 6 million individuals over the age of 20 are living with heart failure in the U.S.

By 2030, that number is expected to reach more than 8 million adults, and by 2050, the number is expected to be more than 11 million.

Without proper medical treatment, heart failure patients may experience fatigue, shortness of breath and possible sudden cardiac arrest, said Salyard’s cardiologist Dr. Brandie Williams.

“If you have surgery on your knee, you probably need rehab; but most patients don’t realize that when you have a heart procedure or receive a heart disease diagnosis, you need rehab, too,” said Dr. Williams.

“Research has shown that cardiac rehab can strengthen your heart, relieve chest pain, improve breathing and minimize risks of cardiovascular death by up to five years.”

Salyards describes her patient journey as one full of emotion.

“Before my heart failure diagnosis, I was riding my exercise bike, riding roller coasters and living an active lifestyle,” said said.

“Then I find myself living with a chronic heart condition and struggling to walk and breathe just to cross my living room.

“In the beginning, those 40-minute sessions of cardiac rehab were frustrating and seemed impossible.”

Williams understands Salyards’ emotional roller coaster.

“Receiving a heart failure diagnosis and having a physician suggest cardiac rehab can be life-changing and scary,” Dr. Williams said.

“With proper medical care, a good support system and following the guidance of a cardiologist, most cardiovascular conditions can be treated and result in a better quality of life.”

Salyards completed 12 weeks of cardiac rehab and is back to spending time with her family and a career in education that she’s enjoyed for 29 years.

“As long as my heart is still beating and there’s still air in my lungs, I’ll continue to praise the Lord for placing ordinary people in my life to do extraordinary things,” Salyards said.

“From those in cardiac rehab to the doctors, nurses and physical therapists, I knew I was loved, cared for and they were there for me every step of the way.”