Name: Karin Blåder, from Sweden
Age: 33
Which SADS condition do you have? CPVT
How are you treated? (Beta blocker, ICD, etc.) Beta blocker (Inderal) and “Tambocor”
How/when were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed in the summer of 2019. I passed out at the gym while I was exercising. I hit my head from the fall and received CPR by employees of the gym, rushed to the hospital by an ambulance. A couple of months later I received my CPVT diagnosis.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in living with your diagnosis?
In the beginning I was always worried that it would happen again, so I was afraid to do anything that would increase my heart rate. Going out for a walk for example or even taking the stairs. At this point, I’m trusting my medication more and trying to not think about it too much.
What does your day-to-day life look like?
I work as a nurse and I also run my own company aside doing esthetic injections, like botox and fillers. I’m going to the gym as often as I can and take care of my three kids. I take my heart medicine three times a day.
What are your favorite hobbies and activities?
I love going to the gym! I keep an eye on my heart rate with my smart watch.
How has the SADS Foundation been helpful to you?
I felt so alone with this condition before I found SADS on Facebook. There I could read about others with the same condition.