Hospitalized patient Dr. Zoe Williams transitioned from a carefree beach outing with friends to drafting her will in a hospital setting.

Dr. Zoe Williams, a renowned medical professional and former Gladiator, experienced a terrifying incident while on vacation in Barcelona. The incident, which involved a high heart rate, served as a stark reminder of the importance of heart health, particularly for women approaching menopause.

Dr. Williams, an ambassador for the menopause platform Issviva.co.uk, is no stranger to health-related matters. However, this incident marked a new understanding for her. After a swim in the sea, she collapsed, feeling the common symptoms of a heart attack - pain in the chest, light-headedness, and shortness of breath.

Despite her calm demeanour during the incident, Dr. Williams found herself contemplating her mortality for the first time in her life. She was rushed to a Spanish hospital where an ECG scan confirmed she had an "atrial flutter," a condition often seen in athletes.

Fortunately, Dr. Williams was given an emergency electric shock treatment, but her heart stabilized before the procedure was necessary. The following morning, her heart returned to a normal rhythm, and she was able to fly home later that day.

The incident has made Dr. Williams more aware of the importance of heart health, particularly for women approaching perimenopause and menopause. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women, especially after menopause, and women in the UK are twice as likely to die from a heart attack than men.

The loss of oestrogen associated with menopause increases the risk of heart disease both directly and indirectly. This can be due to factors such as loss of muscle mass, increased body fat in the abdomen, increased cholesterol, poorer blood glucose control, and symptoms of menopause itself.

Dr. Williams, who has a healthy heart and no history of heart disease or previous heart attacks, urges women to take their heart health seriously. She recommends regular check-ups, especially for those with known risk factors such as a strong family history, being of Black or South Asian heritage, obesity, smoking, inactivity, or an inflammatory health condition.

The NHS offers a free health check every five years from the age of 40, and it's recommended to take up this offer. Dr. Williams also advises women to be aware of the symptoms of a heart attack and not to hesitate in seeking medical help if they suspect something is wrong.

In a video message for her partner, Stuart McKay, and their son, Dr. Williams expressed her love and gratitude for their support during her ordeal. The family, which recently welcomed a new member, is doing well.

Dr. Williams' experience serves as a reminder to all women to prioritise their heart health and to seek medical help if they experience any symptoms of a heart attack. By doing so, they can increase their chances of a full recovery and lead healthier, happier lives.

Hospitalized patient Dr. Zoe Williams transitioned from a carefree beach outing with friends to drafting her will in a hospital setting.