NORTHBROOK, Illinois – A single mother from suburban Northbrook had a terrifying experience in July 2022 when she suffered a massive heart attack after feeling subtle symptoms. Casalan Bittle, 47, initially mistook her indigestion for a trivial occurrence and went to bed but then woke up with nausea. Her situation escalated, and she was eventually hospitalized for a 100% blockage in the main artery of her heart, also known as a widow-maker heart attack.
Bittle’s unexpected ordeal required her to undergo various life-saving treatments, including intubation, a stent, a temporary heart pump, and placement on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which is the most intense form of life support someone can receive. After days of uncertainty, it was thought that a heart transplant might be the only option.
However, miraculously, Bittle’s heart showed signs of recovery. She eventually recovered to the extent that a transplant was no longer necessary, even after experiencing blood clots and other complications.
Throughout her recovery, Bittle went through significant challenges, including spending several weeks in the hospital and undergoing various rehabilitation programs. This experience left her with remnants of heart damage, for which she receives daily medication and has to manage her activities on certain days to avoid overexertion.
Bittle’s story also serves to highlight the subtle signs of heart attacks in women, which differ from those typically seen in men. Even with her challenging recovery, Bittle shares a message of perseverance and positivity, seeing her journey as an opportunity for gratitude and amazement. And she advises others to seek immediate medical help if any unusual symptoms arise, stressing the importance of not ignoring seemingly minor signs of potential health issues.