Iman Dorty was 28 and pregnant when she first experienced signs of heart failure. Her symptoms were attributed to her pregnancy; loss of appetite, intense headaches, tremors, and pain and weakness in her left leg. After she suffered two strokes, Iman was forced to deliver her son over a month early due to an infection that caused her to go into cardiogenic shock. Iman’s health rapidly deteriorated and her chances of survival were slim. 

The Impella heart pump was inserted in Iman’s heart to allow it to rest and recover. Five days later, her heart function had recovered and the Impella was weaned and explanted. She had a long road of recovery ahead of her which included both physical rehabilitation and mental health support. During her initial recovery, Iman did not imagine living a normal life, but more than 10 years later, heart recovery has allowed her to thrive as a mother and fashion designer.

What do you want women to know about heart recovery?

To me it’s just getting back to quality of life. Heart recovery really is getting back to a normal existence. Prior to this I would have thought life would have been different but I’ve learned to never lose hope that you can get back to normal.

It’s hard to not be fearful after experiencing something like this, but if people have hope, they do so much better mentally. Be empowered and get all the information you need and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You need people who can speak up for you so have advocates around you to make sure things are going as they should be. Also, therapy is good for mental and emotional health as you live your life of heart recovery.