Melbourne mum survives seven heart attacks thanks to one rare symptom
A Melbourne mother who miraculously survived seven consecutive heart attacks had one unusual symptom to thank for getting treatment on time.
Rupika Chopra complained to her husband Yogi she had neck pain - a common issue among office workers - but when a thin black line appeared across her finger nails, known as splinter hemorrhage, he knew something wasn't right.
"That's what triggered me to get her to hospital," Yogi told Today.
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A Melbourne mother who miraculously survived seven consecutive heart attacks had one unusual symptom to thank for getting treatment on time. Supplied
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Within 45 minutes of being admitted, Rupika had blood tests and an x-ray done and it was determined she was suffering myocarditis - an inflammation of the heart muscles.
But unlike a common case of myocarditis, Rupika's cardiologist, Professor Andrew Taylor told Today she had a specific type where her heart was filling with blood clots.
"So you can imagine there was very virtually no cardiac output going through," Professor Taylor said.
"The type Rupika had is one we see probably one in a million every year in Victoria."
Unlike a common case of myocarditis, Rupika's cardiologist, Professor Andrew Taylor told Today her she had a specific type where her heart was filling with blood clots. Supplied
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Rupika was able to be treated thanks to the early detection, but it was what happened in the following days that had Professor Taylor scratching his head.
The young mum went into cardiac arrest, but once she stabilised, things took a turn for the worst.
"She had cardiac arrest after cardiac arrest and multiple organ failure and we thought the only way we could get out of this is with a heart transplant but that didn't work out either," Professor Taylor said.
"We had to fall back on what we know about this condition that generally it will get better when you give people the immunosuppressants after getting an early diagnosis - then keeping the patient alive."
While Rupika doesn't remember much of what happened during her time in hospital, she and Yogi told Today they are thankful for Professor Taylor and the team at Alfred Health.
See what else Rupika, Yogi and Professor Taylor had to say in the video above
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