Heart Block to Heart Strong: My Journey with God’s Grace

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Hey everyone,

I’ve got a story to share that’s close to my heart—literally. On December 31, 2024 I experienced a complete heart block, and let me tell you, it was a wake-up call I’ll never forget.

My husband rushed me to the hospital when my heart rate dropped to a terrifying 31. The doctor looked me in the eye and said, “If you had waited any longer, you would be dead.”

I spent nine days in the hospital, but God’s hand was on me the whole time. Today, I want to break down what a complete heart block is, share my story, and remind you of the hope we have in Him. Let’s get started.

What Is a Complete Heart Block?

Picture your heart as a busy highway with traffic signals.

Normally, the signals flow smoothly from the top of your heart (the atria) to the bottom (the ventricles), keeping everything moving in rhythm.

A complete heart block is like a total roadblock on that highway. The signals get stuck, and the traffic—your heartbeats—can’t get through.

When this happens, your heart struggles to pump blood. It’s like trying to run a race with a flat tire—you’re not going anywhere fast.

Symptoms can include confusion, dizziness, fatigue, or even fainting. For me, it felt like my body was shutting down, like a phone with a dying battery. My heart rate was so low, it was barely keeping me going.

My Story: A Race Against Time

It was December 31, and I was excited to ring in the new year with my husband. But suddenly, I felt confused, felt lightheaded, intense fatigue, and was off balance when I walked.

My husband saw the panic in my eyes and didn’t hesitate—he got me to the hospital fast. When we arrived, the doctors hooked me up to monitors, and my heart rate was only 31. The emergency room doctor told us, "This is serious."

I could feel the fear creeping in, but I clung to Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

The doctor was blunt: “If you had waited any longer, you would be dead.” Those words hit hard, but they also reminded me of God’s perfect timing.

I ended up needing a pacemaker, which is like a lifeline for my heart. Think of it as a backup generator that kicks in when the power fails. Those nine days in the hospital were tough, but I sensed God's presence every step of the way.

Why This Matters

A complete heart block is serious—it’s not something to brush off. It’s like a fire alarm in your house; when it goes off, you don’t ignore it.

If you feel confused, lightheaded, short of breath, or like your heart is skipping beats, get help right away.

My story is a reminder to listen to your body and trust God’s timing. He brought me through this, and I know He can do the same for you.

A Final Thought

This experience showed me how fragile life is, but also how faithful God is. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”

I felt that strength in the hospital, and I feel it now as I recover. If you’re facing something scary, remember that God is with you. He’s your refuge, your strength, and your hope.

Thanks for letting me share my story. I pray it encourages you to trust God, take care of your health, and lean on Him in every season.

Blessings,

Cindy

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