Houston, Texas Show full bio
Rebecca is distance runner, was logging miles and keeping her body fit as a way of life. Between running her miles and running her graphic design business, any thought of heart disease was nowhere in the picture. When she experienced a serious heart episode in 2011, she discounted it because of her high fitness level, and even continued to exercise. But she had actually suffered a spontaneous dissection (SCAD) of her left main coronary artery, one of two arteries that feed blood to the heart muscle. It is a dangerous and relatively rare affliction. Fortunately, Rebecca got the help she needed in time. She received an emergency triple bypass, and has since been a passionate advocate for women living with cardiovascular disease and for those many more who are at risk. She’s logging miles again, moving ahead with her life and recovery, and counseling fellow heart patients, which she says is helping her cope with her own recovery. “I was in denial/disbelief about my symptoms, even though my instincts were telling me different. It almost cost me my life,” said Rebecca. “I want to help educate other women so they don’t make the same mistake. (Video Interview with Rebecca Trahan, Distance Runner)
Texas Heart Institute Positions
- Center for Women’s Heart & Vascular Health Advisory Council, Center for Women’s Heart & Vascular Health
- WomenHeart Houston Support Network Coordinator (Class of 2012), Center for Women’s Heart & Vascular Health