World Heart Day: Hayley’s journey from recovery to research
Two years of unexplained illness led Hayley to a myocarditis diagnosis. Now, she is using her experience to help shape the future of myocarditis research in partnership with Myocarditis UK.
This World Heart Day, we’re sharing the story of Hayley McDaid, whose experience of myocarditis took her from a busy career and active lifestyle through two years of unexplained illness and ultimately to becoming involved in research that could help improve the experience of others.
Before becoming ill, 37-year-old Hayley, from North Yorkshire, was an avid hiker and surfer with a busy career leading entertainment marketing for Formula 1.
Then her health began to change.
Hayley started experiencing breathlessness, a racing heart, chest pain and overwhelming exhaustion. She made several visits to A&E and was even admitted to hospital while working in Austin, Texas. Despite numerous investigations through her GP and hospital, there was no clear explanation for why she was becoming so unwell.
Hayley was eventually diagnosed with Long Covid, but her health continued to deteriorate. The impact on her life was profound, and Hayley was forced to leave behind the career and active lifestyle she loved to eventually moved back in with her parents, who became her carers.
On the day she moved home, Hayley suffered a serious cardiac episode and was rushed to hospital. It was there that she finally received a diagnosis of myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle.
For Hayley, receiving a diagnosis was life-changing, but it also finally provided some of the answers she had been searching for and allowed her lengthy recovery process to begin.