s5e04 When You Can’t Run Anymore: A Story of Grief, Growth, & Resilience with Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT, DPT, OCS

Diagnosis

Kate Edwards shares her harrowing experience with a rare heart condition that went undiagnosed for years. Despite passing multiple stress tests, her condition, ventricular tachycardia, remained hidden due to the tests not pushing her to her limits. She recalls a pivotal moment during a treadmill test when her heart rate skyrocketed, leading to a shocking revelation for her cardiologist.

I was in VTEC and didn't know it. Like, my heart was in that dangerous rhythm and had no idea.

--- Kate Edwards

This experience highlights the challenges of diagnosing heart conditions in endurance athletes, where symptoms can be easily overlooked or misinterpreted 1 2 3.

   

Symptoms

Kate's journey was fraught with symptoms that were often misunderstood or dismissed by healthcare providers. Her fatigue and heart palpitations were initially attributed to anxiety or the demands of endurance sports. It wasn't until genetic testing confirmed her condition that the true cause was identified.

People thought maybe I was anxious. Of course. I mean, feel that I'm anxious now. I mean, I'm not, but, you know, like. Yeah, I mean, that's a real thing.

--- Kate Edwards

This misinterpretation underscores the importance of thorough investigation and the challenges faced by athletes in getting accurate diagnoses 4 5 6.