LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — An area Las Vegas movie star make-up artist and cardiac arrest survivor is working to shut the survival hole for heart problems via continued schooling, consciousness, advocacy, and CPR coaching.
February is American Coronary heart Month, a time when all individuals, particularly girls, are inspired to deal with their cardiovascular well being.
In keeping with the American Coronary heart Affiliation, heart problems is the primary killer for all girls, however black girls expertise the best burden.
“This is the number one killer of women over all forms of cancer, with black women being at the very top of that list,” Bre Khounphinith stated.
Khounphinith was identified with congenital coronary heart illness at 20 years outdated.
“Even though congenital means at birth, I had been misdiagnosed with asthma as a child because of the similarities in symptoms,” Khounphinith stated.
When she was 26 and 6 months post-partum, her well being took a dramatic flip.
“I was going up the stairs to get ready for the gym and my heart stopped,” Khounphinith stated. “I went into cardiac arrest. My husband had to do compressions until the paramedics got there. Once they got there, they were able to shock me back with an automated external defibrillator.”
She coded within the ambulance after which once more on the hospital. Six months later, she suffered a mini coronary heart assault. Fifteen years later, she displays on her journey of overcoming and persevering with to defy the chances
“I am doing pretty good,” Khounphinith stated. “I just have to remind myself that I am not your average 40-year-old like my body has been through some things. I have to take my breaks and rest.”
Regardless of being identified with pericardial effusion, an extra of fluid across the coronary heart 2 years in the past, Khounphinith continues to reside life to the fullest, enhancing girls’s outer magnificence whereas encouraging them to take care of themselves from the within out.
She is a nationwide ambassador for Go Pink for Girls, a nationwide motion by the American Coronary heart Affiliation, the place she and eleven different cardiovascular and stroke survivors share their tales of surviving and thriving to lift consciousness about heart problems and stroke and champion girls to take motion to guard their well being.
“Pay attention to what your body is telling you,” Khounphinith stated. “It can be any type of pain – arm pain, one or both arms, your neck, your back, your jaw. All of these things can be symptoms, Cold sweat, anxiety attacks, and panic attacks. Listen to your body, put you first, and take care of yourself.”
Khounphinith can also be a CPR advocate. She says CPR saved her life and he or she’s seen it save the lives of many others.
Yearly, over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outdoors of a hospital, with most taking place at house. In keeping with the American Coronary heart Affiliation, solely 10% survive.
The Nation of Lifesavers™ with the American Coronary heart Affiliation hopes to certify not less than one particular person in a family with CPR by 2028.
