While in the local gym, he suddenly experienced chest pain and shortness of breath, and he instinctively knew something wasn’t right. He immediately went directly to the nearest A&E, where he was seen by a cardiologist who would become a central figure in Mark’s life for the next fifteen years. To Mark’s shock, he was told he had experienced a ‘cardiac episode’ and had to receive his first stent.
Up to this point, Mark had been in good health. Life was busy with two small children and a stressful job as an accountant, but he exercised regularly and had no major history of heart disease in his family. After this event, Mark became a regular heart patient, seeing his cardiologist every six months for a check-up.
In 2016, Mark was out horse riding alone and experienced a second cardiac episode. He initially “kept the episode to himself, which was really foolish in hindsight” and called for an ambulance. He was taken directly to the emergency department and from there to the CATH Lab. It was found that he had suffered a heart attack.
“It was all very traumatic. I spent two weeks in the hospital, and on reflection, I don’t feel that I dealt with the psychological side of the event very well. At the time, like a lot of people, men especially, I bottled it up and just wanted to get back to work”.
The following year Mark availed of the option of early retirement from his job and took a break for a while. He decided to participate in an expedition to the Alps to raise money for charity. “For the first time in many, many years, I felt really well. And this was the benefit of good diet, good exercise, and good camaraderie. There was a great social life with that hiking. I hadn’t felt that good in a long time”. He learned that “not only was he well, but he was also capable of being well”.
He made the “big decision” to return to work in accountancy two years later and now, age 67, has a much better work-life balance. “The opportunity in the National Museum came up in 2019, and I thought I would do it for a year or two, and I’m into my sixth year”. Moving to a more manageable role was a big decision for him, but it has helped improve his overall quality of life and reduce stress, a key factor in managing high blood pressure and heart disease.
Since 2006, Mark has required regular interventions and currently has fifteen stents, three of which have been replaced due to restenosis (the re-narrowing of the artery after a stent is placed). He has also been diagnosed with atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in his arteries.
Mark had his most recent stent placement in September 2024. While this was yet another chapter in his long journey with heart disease, it was a moment of personal reflection. “I don’t know why number eighteen or fifteen, depending on your point of view, should be so significant versus all the others… You wonder, is there no end to this?”.
The prospect of a bypass surgery is becoming a real concern for Mark. At this stage in his life, he finds the idea of such a significant procedure quite overwhelming. A cardiac event is an emotional experience, and everyone reacts differently. Mark’s positive attitude and willingness to remain proactive in his care are key to managing his health.
Living with a heart condition or surviving a serious heart-related event can be stressful and overwhelming for both the patient and the family. Mark feels very fortunate and thankful to have had the support of his wife and children throughout all his health issues.
“You tend to get a bit wrapped up in your own illness and diagnosis and forget that there are people who are worried about you. My wife and kids were very impacted by it, and at times I probably wasn’t as aware as I should have been”.
Mark has become well-versed in managing his condition. “I’m doing better than I had anticipated. I thought I’d be gone at this stage, and I have a very good quality of life,” he remarked. Getting regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to improve your overall health. Mark exercises regularly, maintaining an active routine that includes horse riding, “which I know I am very lucky to be able to do”, hill walking, yoga, and gym sessions.
Mark knows the importance of regular checkups and has always taken advice from his healthcare providers seriously, adhering to their recommendations, including eating healthily, staying active, and managing alcohol, which he chose to give up entirely early in his diagnosis. He has “benefited from really good health care, especially with his cardiology team, the Heart2Heart Cardiac physiotherapy programs led by Karen Craddock and the cardiac rehab programme in St Vincent’s Hospital”. Mark believes that his “outcomes would have been much worse without these interventions”. A regular gym routine has also helped.
Managing fatigue can be a challenge, but Mark knows his limits and has learned to leave early or take breaks when necessary. Staying physically active can help reduce fatigue and help your body work more efficiently.
In addition to his medical care, Mark has been actively involved with the Irish Heart Foundation, a key source of support for him in recent years. He was first referred to the Irish Heart Foundation after his heart attack in 2016. He has participated in several courses, including the “Activate Your Life” programme, and has attended various talks on living with heart disease. Dr. Paddy Barrett’s message on living with heart disease deeply resonated with Mark. “You’ll get to a point where you’re living with heart disease, not dying from it,” Dr. Barrett had said.
Mark has also sought professional counselling through the Irish Heart Foundation, particularly after his most recent stent and angioplasty in September 2024. He described the support he received from Counsellor Donagh Ward as “phenomenal”.
“This counselling was one thing that really worked for me and really helped me after my most recent stent placement, which I found quite hard to deal with."
Mark regularly had calls with an Irish Heart Foundation nurse, which he found “so informative, reassuring and helpful, especially in confirming his diagnosis of atherosclerosis.” He also knows that the Nurse Support Line is available to him if he has any specific worries or queries about his condition.
Other supports that he found helpful were the online resources and the Facebook Heart Support Group. He also thought that the HSE’s “Living Well” programme was “super” and credits it with “making a significant impact” on his life.
Mark’s engagement with the Irish Heart Foundation didn’t stop at accessing supports and participating in programs. He also contributes financially through a monthly direct debit donation. “I truly believe the Irish Heart Foundation does a great job, and I’m happy to be part of it,” he explained.
His advice for others facing similar conditions is clear.
"Do what you’re told. Get informed about your condition. Take advice and be proactive."
Mark takes an active role in managing his condition. He knows the signs and if an intervention is required, he knows what to do. Mark also believes that more people should access the resources provided by the Irish Heart Foundation. “They have a knowledgeable and supportive team there to assist and advise”.
2025-06-20
