Patient stories: Her stomach pain was a warning sign for a heart condition

Jenaya Lee’s persistent stomach pain kept her from fully enjoying her life as a wife and mom. She put off seeing a doctor, thinking that the ongoing pain could be this small issue or that little problem, but when it didn’t go away and she was struggling to keep food down, she knew she needed to speak to someone soon.

At her doctor’s, she explained her symptoms. Then she was sent to the emergency room. When she arrived, it became very clear that Jenaya was facing far more than a stomach problem.

“My blood pressure was extremely high,” Jenaya said. “Like, it was concerning. I saw the ER doctor and we still went down this path of finding out what was wrong with my stomach, but they wanted me to check on my heart, too, because something wasn’t right.”

Jenaya was referred to Prisma Health Interventional Cardiology, where experienced cardiologists were able to find that Jenaya had indications of heart failure. Further testing led to a diagnosis of severe mitral regurgitation, a heart condition where the flaps of the mitral valve don’t close correctly, which can lead to blood leaking backwards into the heart’s upper chamber. A transesophageal echocardiogram allowed her care team to take a closer look into how well her heart was functioning and how well she could tolerate treatment.

A cardiac surgeon stepped in to review her case and decided on treating her through mitral valve surgery.

With a new baby at home, Jenaya was both anxious to be treated and scared of the surgery itself. Despite her fears, Jenaya’s determination carried her through surgery and recovery so well that she was home in time for Mother’s Day.

Jenaya’s stomach problems turned out to be a symptom of a serious heart concern. Thanks to multiple Prisma Health physicians, nurses and other staff working with her, the root of her issue was diagnosed and treated. When Jenaya couldn’t figure out what was causing her stomach pain, Prisma Health was there.