Global Heart Hub Patient Voices: Fabiane Resende

Global Heart Hub is delighted to share Fabiane’s story – an inspiring patient voice from our Affiliate Instituto Lado a Lado pela Vida’s patient community.

My Heart Has Never Stopped Fighting

Fabiane Resende was born in Brazil with congenital heart disease. Now 51, she has lived with the condition throughout her life.

“I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve that eventually led to severe aortic valve regurgitation. Although I showed signs from early childhood, including extreme fatigue, bluish lips and physical limitations, no one recognised the condition,” says Fabiane.

At 17, during a routine medical appointment, a doctor heard a heart murmur. Less than a month later, Fabiane underwent her first open-heart surgery and received a mechanical heart valve. Fabiane’s experience highlights the importance of recognising the signs and symptoms of heart disease, with a stethoscope check being the first step to detecting heart valve disease.

Becoming a Mother

Because of her heart condition, Fabiane’s doctors advised her that pregnancy would carry a high risk. Despite this, years later she fulfilled her dream of becoming a mother.

“I want to emphasise that my experience with pregnancy should not be taken as an example for other women living with congenital heart disease. Every case is unique, and any decision about pregnancy should always be made together with a specialised medical team,” says Fabiane.

Her first pregnancy was difficult, but Fabiane was thrilled to welcome her son. Later, “life surprised everyone, and I became pregnant a second time,” she says.

When her second son was only two months old, she underwent her second open-heart surgery to replace her aortic valve. Fabiane was later told that her mitral valve was also affected, leading to her third heart surgery. “I chose to replace both valves with bioprosthetic valves and for the next 12 years, I did very well,” says Fabiane. In 2016, her mitral valve showed significant deterioration. Together with her cardiac surgeon, she decided it was time for her fourth open-heart surgery. This time, both valves were replaced with mechanical valves.

A Woman Living with Cardiovascular Disease

Fabiane now lives with two mechanical heart valves and takes blood thinners every day. Throughout her journey, she has experienced arrhythmias, episodes of tachycardia and has undergone catheter ablations and electrical cardioversions.

“Menopause has become another challenge along the way, but God continues to sustain me and give me the strength to move forward,” says Fabiane.

Today, she leads a relatively normal life and continues to be closely monitored.

A Message to Others

Throughout her journey, Fabiane was blessed with the unconditional love and support of her mother, her father and her stepfather, who stood by her every step of the way. “I learned that courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is choosing to keep going, even when your heart has already been through so many battles,” she says.

“Today, I carry scars on my chest, but I carry even greater gratitude for the life I have been given. My heart has never been perfect. But it has never stopped fighting,” says Fabiane.

Thank you, Fabiane, for sharing your story with Global Heart Hub and for reminding us of the courage, resilience and strength that can be found in a life lived with congenital heart disease.

Thank you, Fabiane, for sharing your story.

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