Single Mother Survives Widow-Maker Heart Attack and Overcomes Multiple Challenges in Remarkable Recovery
Casalan Bittle, a 47-year-old single mother from suburban Northbrook, had no idea that an evening of indigestion would turn into a life-threatening situation. She initially dismissed the discomfort, attributing it to a burger she had eaten the night before. Little did she know that she was experiencing the symptoms of a widow-maker heart attack.
After putting her kids to bed, Bittle went to sleep but woke up a few hours later feeling nauseous. She attempted to vomit but couldn’t. As the minutes passed, she started feeling increasingly unwell and sweaty. Weak and unable to get up, she began to panic. Eventually, she managed to make her way to her mother, who happened to be visiting at the time. Suddenly, Bittle lost consciousness for five minutes.
Paramedics arrived and rushed her to a nearby hospital, where doctors delivered the shocking news – she was having a heart attack. Despite being under 50 years old, having no known health conditions, and maintaining an active lifestyle that included climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Bittle had a 100% blockage in the main artery of her heart.
The situation was dire. Doctors intubated her, inserted a stent and temporary heart pump, and placed her on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), the most intense form of life support. Dr. Bow (Ben) Chung, a cardiologist at the University of Chicago Medicine who treated Bittle, described her condition as “basically about as sick as a person can be, from a heart perspective.”
Bittle’s family was told to prepare for the worst as a heart transplant seemed to be her only hope. Multiple cardiac arrests further complicated her condition, leaving doctors concerned about potential brain damage. She was placed on an emergency transplant list and transferred to the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Miraculously, Bittle’s heart began to recover, and doctors decided to wake her up. She underwent surgery to remove the ECMO and the heart pump. However, another obstacle arose when she developed blood clots in both her femoral arteries, cutting off circulation to her leg. Surgeons swiftly intervened, saving her leg and repairing the arteries.
After spending two weeks in the hospital, Bittle embarked on a long road to recovery. She underwent six weeks of outpatient rehabilitation and an additional 18 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation. Wearing a LifeVest, a wearable defibrillator, for 90 days became part of her routine.
In February 2023, Bittle experienced a concerning episode during outpatient rehab. Her doctor ordered further testing, which revealed a 70% blockage in her main artery. Although unusual for another blockage to develop so soon, Bittle’s doctor assured her that she was on the right medications to prevent another heart attack. Instead of open-heart surgery, she opted for robotic cardiac surgery, which allowed her to resume her normal life within a day or two.
Today, almost a year after her robotic surgery, Bittle is doing fantastic. She acknowledges that she still has residual heart damage and requires daily medication. Some days, she experiences fatigue and shortness of breath. Nevertheless, she considers her recovery remarkable and embraces the scars she bears as a symbol of her journey.
Bittle’s experience has also made her more aware of the symptoms of a heart attack in women. She wishes she had known that women can present with subtler symptoms than men. Chest pain is the most common symptom, but it can manifest as discomfort, pressure, tightness, or even a nagging feeling that won’t go away. Other subtle signs include indigestion, nausea, shortness of breath, and pain in the jaw, back, arm, or shoulder.
Research shows that women are more likely than men to die after a heart attack due to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Chung emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention if experiencing unusual symptoms that persist. Bittle echoes this sentiment, urging others not to hesitate and seek help right away.
Despite everything she has endured, Bittle remains grateful and amazed. She refuses to let negativity consume her, focusing her energy on staying alive and living a long life. She proudly calls herself and her son “heart warriors” as they compare their scars from their respective heart surgeries.
Casalan Bittle’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of medical advancements. Her remarkable recovery serves as a reminder to all that life is precious and should be cherished.
