A self-confessed ‘fitness addict’ was left terrifyingly close to death after rupturing her body’s main artery while on the rowing machine at the gym.
Super-fit Marie-Anne August, 45, was heaving her arms backwards during a high intensity workout this time last year, when she felt a ‘ripping in my chest, followed by a bubbling feeling’.
The Devon native was rushed to her local hospital, where medics performed a series of investigations including blood tests and an ECG to monitor the electrical activity of her heart.
But to her surprise, the results came back normal and she was sent home with a clean bill of health, she said.
However within two days, her family became ‘increasingly concerned’ about her health, commenting that she ‘didn’t look right’.
‘I couldn’t breathe and the pain was absolutely excruciating,’ said Ms August, who works in NHS communications.
Panicked, she returned to the hospital where she was eventually diagnosed with aortic dissection.
This is a life-threatening condition where a tear in the aorta (the body’s main artery) disrupts blood flow to the body’s organs, and causes internal bleeding.
Marie-Anne August from Devon was taking part in a CrossFit class last year when she felt a ‘rip’ in her chest
The condition can trigger a range of deadly problems including stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and even paralysis, if the blood supply to the spinal chord is compromised.
The risk of dying increases by 1-3 per cent every hour the dissection goes untreated, according to the NHS.
Aortic dissection is most common in people aged over 65, with 35 cases per 100,000 people per year in that age group.
However, studies show that endurance athletes, particularly competitive rowers, are at higher risk of suffering a deadly tear.
Weight-lifting and sprinting are other high-risk exercises, according to the US National Institute of Health.
In 2018, doctors at St George’s hospital in London reported a similar case of a 27 year-old man who suffered an aortic dissection after an intense period of rowing.
Ms August was rushed in for open heart surgery at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.
‘I was absolutely terrified,’ she said.
She believes she only survived the ordeal because of her level of fitness; experts say the risk of death increases every hour
‘I didn’t realise how serious it was until I got to the hospital, then was told I had less than 24 hours to live and that they had to operate immediately.
‘They also listed all the complications that could occur – stroke, loss of limbs, paralysis and lots of other things. I was just so frightened.’
Thankfully, the operation was a success and within five days she’d returned home.
‘I think I recovered quicker than some. I was in so much pain post-operation for the first month that I couldn’t do much [beyond] going for slow walks with my dad.’
It’s now been nearly a year since her close call with death.
With the help of family and friends, she’s recovered enough to return to work.
But while she’s out of immediate danger, the fitness addict can’t do certain sports.
She can no longer run fast, ski or do high-intensity exercise, including her beloved CrossFit.
In 2018 hospital medics in London reported a similar case of a 27 year-old who suffered an aortic dissection during a rowing workout
‘I have residual damage to my aorta so I need to watch what I do and monitor my blood pressure,’ she said.
‘I am trying to find my feet but overall I’m doing much better than expected.
‘But it’s such a change – from being someone who is quite fit and active – to all the things I can’t do. And that makes me very sad.
‘Not being able to do what I did before is the biggest adjustment for me and with no real guidance as to what to do safely it causes a lot of fear.
‘But I’m pretty determined to figure out what I can do safely. My gym’s been really great helping me with cardiac rehab.
‘And I’m determined to get back to full health if possible with my limitations.’
Ms August is calling for greater awareness of the signs of aortic rupture among hospital medics.
‘I do feel disappointed it wasn’t picked up initially now that I know how serious it was,’ she said.
‘It’s not the doctors’ fault, but more awareness and education within A&E is essential because many people aren’t as lucky as me.’
‘I believe that being fit and healthy is the reason I survived two days when I was initially turned away.’
Signs of aortic dissection include a sudden chest and/or back pain, shortness of breath, stroke-like symptoms including difficulty speaking and numbness, and loss of consciousness.
A spokesperson fromTorbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘Anyone who has concerns over the care they are receiving is encouraged to discuss this with the ward teams and ward matrons during their time at the hospital.
Patients can also speak with our Patient Advice and Liaison Service for any unresolved concerns.
‘Due to patient confidentiality, we are unable to discuss individual matters.”