A young woman from Edinburgh has revealed how a persistent cough and a terrifying episode of coughing up blood led to a life-changing heart diagnosis, months after her brother died suddenly in his sleep.
A Persistent Cough Turns Serious
Rebecca Elsdon, now 34, was fit and healthy until October 2023 when she began suffering a series of coughs and colds. Initially dismissing it as a seasonal bug, she continued with her work in recruitment and Christmas festivities. By late December, she had what she described as "the worst cold ever".
Her GP initially treated it as a viral infection. However, when Rebecca noticed tiny specks of blood in her saliva, she returned for further checks. A pre-Christmas chest X-ray showed nothing alarming, with doctors suggesting small internal tears from coughing.
The New Year brought a severe decline. In late January 2024, feeling exhausted and struggling to eat, she went to bed early. Waking at 11 pm, she was horrified to find bright red blood in the sink after clearing her throat. Following NHS advice, she immediately called 999.
Hospitalisation and a Shocking Diagnosis
Paramedics suspected a lung embolism and rushed her to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. What she thought would be a brief visit turned into an 18-night stay in the cardiology intensive care ward. Scans revealed a grave situation: blood clots throughout her body, including in her heart, kidneys, and lungs. One of her heart chambers was badly damaged by a large clot.
Rebecca was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle becomes weak or stiff. Doctors explained her symptoms, like an inability to eat, were due to internal swelling. "One of the clots could have broken off and gone up into my brain and caused a stroke. I’m extremely lucky that didn’t happen," she said.
A Family Tragedy and Unanswered Questions
The diagnosis came months after a profound family loss. In 2023, Rebecca's brother, Andrew, died suddenly in his sleep at age 39. Rebecca had found him unresponsive one morning. His death remains unexplained.
While in hospital, Rebecca's medical history was probed. "What happened to Andrew did weigh a bit on my mind," she admitted. Genetic testing and checks for underlying conditions came back negative. Doctors believe repeated viral infections may have triggered her cardiomyopathy.
"It’s fairly common that a root cause for cardiomyopathy is never found," Rebecca explained, acknowledging the difficulty of accepting her brother's death and her own condition without clear answers.
Life After Diagnosis
Following her 18-night hospital stay, Rebecca has made a strong recovery. She maintains a heart-healthy diet, attends pilates and yoga, and manages the condition with medication. A recent letter from her cardiologist confirmed her heart is now functioning within the normal, healthy range.
Dr Roy, Chief Medical Advisor at Heart Research UK, states cardiomyopathy can affect anyone, even the seemingly fit. "Once diagnosed, there are treatments that stabilise the heart and reduce the risk of complications," he said, citing lifestyle changes, medication, and implanted devices.
Rebecca's message is clear: "I want people reading this to listen to their bodies... if you feel something isn’t right, you need to advocate for yourself." She praises the NHS care she received, noting that her vague symptoms meant her case had to unfold as it did. "My brother didn’t have any signs he was unwell but I was more fortunate and ultimately that’s what saved my life."
