A Stroke at 37: How One Mom’s Health Scare Revealed Severe Heart Failure

At just 37 years old, Gabbi never imagined she could experience a stroke or be diagnosed with end-stage heart failure. Like many younger women, heart disease simply was not on her radar. But after developing COVID-19, her health began to decline in ways she could no longer ignore.

What started as shortness of breath and coughing gradually became debilitating fatigue, vomiting, rapid weight loss and difficulty walking even short distances. Gabbi says she repeatedly sought medical care and was initially diagnosed with pneumonia and later bronchitis, but her symptoms continued to worsen over several months. By the time she suffered a stroke in May, she had lost nearly 50 pounds and could barely function day to day.

Doctors eventually discovered that her heart was barely pumping and that a blood clot had formed inside one of the heart’s chambers. Part of that clot traveled to her brain, causing the stroke. Soon afterward, she learned she was in severe heart failure and needed urgent treatment options to survive.

Gabbi described the experience as “whiplash,” going from feeling like a relatively healthy young mother to suddenly hearing discussions about heart transplantation and an LVAD, or left ventricular assist device. She ultimately received the Abbott HeartMate 3, a mechanical heart pump that helps circulate blood throughout the body. While terrified at first, she says the device gave her a second chance at life.

Much of her emotional recovery centered around her role as a mother. Being separated from her young son during a lengthy hospital stay was one of the hardest parts of the experience. She described intense “mom guilt” and emotional pain watching her child struggle with separation anxiety during her recovery. But returning home and gradually regaining strength reminded her of why she fought so hard to survive.

Gabbi credits cardiac rehabilitation, physical activity, medication adherence, hydration, mental health support, gratitude practices, prayer and a strong medical team with helping her recovery. She says rebuilding her strength — even being able to walk on a treadmill for 18 minutes — became emotional milestones she never thought possible.

Now, Gabbi hopes her story raises awareness that heart failure and stroke can happen to younger adults, including women and mothers. She encourages others to listen to persistent symptoms, advocate for themselves when something feels wrong, and continue pushing for answers if treatments are not working.

Her message is simple but powerful: Do not ignore your health, and do not assume you are “too young” for serious heart problems.