Mum, 24, who was told said her common heart condition was ‘nothing to worry about’ dies months after giving birth
A MUM who was told her common heart condition was “nothing to worry about” died from a complication just months after giving birth.
Hollie Lowes was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White (WPW) syndrome – an abnormal heartbeat that causes the organ to pump very fast – but doctors assured her family that the risks were low.
However, less than five months after welcoming her son into the world, the 24-year-old suffered a fatal cardiac arrest.
Medics reportedly said Hollie’s heart stopped due to her WPW – a rare side effect.
“We were told that there were no risks linked to WPW and Hollie could continue her life like normal,” her younger sister Sophie said.
“Doctors said it could at worst make her faint or have a fast heart beat, but there was no mention of cardiac arrest.
“If we knew that would have been on the cards then we would have pushed for regular check-ups, but we were assured everything was okay.”
Hollie, from Newcastle, went into labour at 27 weeks on Christmas Day last year.
She and her partner of 10 years, Kieran, remained by little Vinnie’s side for nine weeks until he was strong enough to leave the hospital.
Months later on May 15, Hollie suffered an “unexpected and devastating” cardiac arrest at home.
“She had slept the night before as normal but woke up and turned to her partner to express that she didn’t feel very well and that she felt like she was going to faint,” Sophie said.
Hollie then collapsed and stopped breathing altogether.
Her mum and Kieran immediately performed CPR and called 999 before her dad arrived with a defibrillator.
“Hollie was shocked multiple times before the ambulance came,” Sophie said.
After nine days in intensive care, Hollie died on May 24.
“She suffered brain damage and, despite the best efforts of the amazing nurses and doctors, she didn’t make it,” Sophie said.
“Doctors said the cardiac arrest was caused by WPW – something we were told we would never need to worry about.
“Unfortunately, they could not have been more wrong.”
Hollie and Kieran had just got the privilege of having a baby together and now that has been ripped away from them
Sophie Lowes
She added: “Hollie and Kieran had just got the privilege of having a baby together and now that has been ripped away from them.
“Speaking on behalf of my family, we are all absolutely devastated; words do not even come close to describing how we feel.
“Hollie was an amazing person who always strove to help others. She was the kindest person known to man.
“She lit up every room and will be forever loved.”
Mickley Social FC, an amateur football team in the Hexham and District Sunday League, is hosting a charity match in her memory on June 23.
Sophie has also launched a GoFundMe page.
‘CONTINUING HER LEGACY’
All money raised will help pay for Hollie’s funeral, go into a trust for her son and spread the word about WPW, she said.
Sophie added: “There were no stressful events leading up to Hollie’s cardiac arrest so it was so unexpected and devastating.
“We want to raise awareness of WPW and try to ensure no other families feel the way we do right now.
“We will never stop talking about Hollie, and there will be pictures of her everywhere.
“She loved shopping, being with her family and friends, and going on holiday. She also adored her sausage dog Bruno.
“We will tell her little boy about how fantastic his mother was every day. We will make sure baby Vinnie knows that.
“Her partner Kieran will continue her legacy.”
Between one and three people in every 1,000 are thought to have WPW in the UK.
For most sufferers, it causes occasional, mild episodes of a racing heart.
But in some cases, it can be life-threatening, especially if it occurs alongside atrial fibrillation – a type of irregular heartbeat.
Heart for Life estimates there is an annual risk of sudden death of approximately one in 200.
Having a high risk job, such as a pilot or professional athlete, also raises the risk, according to the British Heart Foundation.
Estimates vary, but cardiac arrest as a result of WPW is thought to be rare.
Cedars Sinai, a teaching hospital, says: “WPW usually is not a major problem for most people; you can manage or correct the condition with treatment.
“Worrisome symptoms include fainting with very rapid heart rates.
“There is a very small risk of cardiac arrest if the heart rate becomes extremely rapid.
“This may be seen in people who also have atrial fibrillation (another type of arrhythmia).”
Hollie was diagnosed with WPW shortly after being born, when her heart rate “rocketed”.
What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
WOLFF-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPWS) is a heart condition that causes the heart to beat abnormally quickly.
It is most common in children who are born with a heart condition (congenital heart disease), but it can also occur in those without.
Between one and three people in every 1,000 are thought to have WPW syndrome in the UK.
Despite being present at birth, symptoms often don’t occur until people are in their 30s or 40s, and many don’t experience any at all.
The most common is occasional, mild episodes of a racing heart. Others include:
- A pounding or fluttering heartbeat
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fainting
With treatment, the condition can normally be completely cured, but it can be life-threatening, especially if it occurs alongside a type of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation.
Heart for Life estimates there is an annual risk of sudden death of approximately one in 200.
It is important to see a GP if you regularly experience heart palpitations.
Source: NHS