Advancements in medical research surrounding heart disease treatments made all the difference in one Lakewood woman’s life. Maria Camilon-Price was diagnosed with a heart murmur at age 14 when she and her family moved from the Philippines. “During that time in my life, they told me it was likely a hereditary feature and something they said we should watch,” said Price. She added, “While it took a long time to manifest, it really took a toll on my body.”
In the mid-80s, she encountered her first battle when her heart unexpectedly started racing in downtown Tacoma. “I had no idea what was going on as I slumped in my car.” Luckily a couple found Maria and noticed her blue lips and called paramedics. Maria was put through a series of tests and worked with wonderful cardiologists that diagnosed her with a leaking heart valve and that her heart murmur was causing atrial fibrillation (AFib)—irregular or rapid heart rate.
“In the years that followed, I was able to maintain and control the symptoms of my AFib with natural coping mechanisms like controlled breathing.” But in 1998 while getting her 3-yearold son and herself ready for the day, Maria’s heart began to race and she couldn’t control it. Despite being unable to see and suffering terrible head pain, she was able to contact her brother with the help of her small but capable toddler. Paramedics were called to assist, having to use paddles to get her racing heart back into a slower rhythm.
Following a second emergency intervention while pregnant, Maria underwent a heart ablation after her son was born. “The heart ablation sustained me for a few years, helping with my AFib, but the leaking heart valve was still an issue.” At the time, a pig valve or an artificial metal valve were her only options, so she and her family opted for lifestyle changes that included no smoking, reduced alcohol consumption, and more exercise.
Fast forward to 2016 when Maria, who was suffering from a sinus infection, misjudged her heart failure symptoms. That is, until she flunked a regularly scheduled angiogram. Her cardiothoracic surgeon recommended immediate surgery to fix the valve with the latest procedures, cleaning up the valve and trimming the mitral valve leaks using Gortex stiches. “Everything is going well now because generous people have given to the American Heart Association and research continues to evolve. In 1998, I would have been exposed to open heart surgery. But due to amazing research, in 2016 my procedure was much less invasive and my recovery period was
greatly reduced.”
Because of her experience, Maria is a Go Red For Women Ambassador and advocates for all parents to have their children screened for heart defects. She also leads a team during the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk. “This Walk is my 7th year that I have gathered my wonderful family, friends, and co-workers from the City of Tacoma to organize a team. I am a survivor and I’d like to see more survivors—especially adults.”
The Heart and Stroke Walk is a non-competitive 5K that benefits the American Heart Association. It will be held at Cheney Stadium on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
For Additional Information
Heart and Stroke Walk
www2.heart.org
BY LYNN CASTLE