In April 2024, Jessica Tracey was a healthy, vibrant 34-year-old woman eagerly anticipating the best chapter of her life. But one week after delivering her first child, everything changed. She began noticing swelling in her feet, a persistent dry cough, and difficulty sleeping on her back. As a first-time mom, she assumed these were typical postpartum symptoms. In reality, Jessica was in cardiogenic shock caused by postpartum cardiomyopathy—severe heart failure triggered shortly after childbirth. Her lungs had filled with fluid, and her heart could no longer pump effectively.
What should have been the most joyful time for Jessica and her family quickly became their worst nightmare.
Under the compassionate care of Dr. Sarah Blissett, Jessica received guideline-directed medical therapy that restored her heart function. Jessica credits Dr. Blissett’s world-class expertise—and equally important, her empathy and unwavering support—as the reason she was able to recover both physically and emotionally. Dr. Blissett’s dedication carried Jessica through the most painful and frightening chapter of her life.
"Dr. Blissett’s world-class expertise—and equally important, her empathy and unwavering support— saved my life," Jessica said.
Together, Jessica and Dr. Blissett—along with their friends, colleagues, and families—are committed to raising awareness about women’s heart health, an area that remains significantly under-researched and under-funded.