Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Life as a runner changed after heart failure at 42
Tara’s illness won’t stop her fundraising
SHE looks the picture of health but Tara Loughlin is living with heart failure.
She was just 42 when she was diagnosed last June and her world was turned upside down.
Now she struggles to keep active as doctors investigate what caused her heart failure.
Tara, from Ballyclare, Co Antrim, said: “I was always very fit. I have two dogs and also was a runner and did Zumba.
“Six years ago I noticed something was wrong. When I was running I couldn’t breathe as well as I used to and would get some palpitations.
“Then three years ago I collapsed in work. I’m still having tests. Even now it hasn’t sunk in. It takes a while to come to terms with and I don’t think you ever really do. I was told that usually it’s part of your heart is damaged but in my case it’s my whole heart.
“Quality of life has really been affected. I’m tired all the time and my legs feel heavy. I have shortness of breath and find it hard to keep active like I used to. Sometimes it’s very hard to stay positive.
“The frustrating thing with heart failure is people think you look fine. I make an effort with my appearance and because people can’t see my symptoms they think I’m OK.”
The condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow to meet the body’s needs.
But Tara is fighting back and is helping the British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland raise awareness of research.
She is backing the Thank You campaign by organising the sponsored walk Tara’s Trek. She said: “I am doing the walk in Carlingford, Co Louth, on February 24.
“I’ve been so grateful to friends and family who are taking part. I know how much the BHF has done to help patients and I want to keep raising money to help them in the future.”
Jayne Murray, head of BHF NI, added: “Our research saves hearts – without the public’s support, the thank yous stop.”
CO ANTRIM YESTERDAY