A mom’s sudden pain was a deadly heart condition. An ultrasound on an iPhone helped save her life.

Sara Adair’s harrowing experience with aortic dissection sheds light on the dangers of this life-threatening condition. Having witnessed both her father and sister go through the same ordeal, Adair was no stranger to the symptoms and risks associated with aortic dissections. After being diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects connective tissues, Adair made it a priority to stay vigilant about her health, regularly visiting cardiologists and undergoing scans of her aorta.

Despite her proactive approach to managing her condition, Adair’s world was turned upside down on a seemingly normal day in July 2024. After spending the afternoon at sports tournaments and a pool party with her children, she suddenly experienced excruciating chest pain that moved up to her neck. Recognizing the symptoms from her sister’s experience, Adair knew that time was of the essence.

In a race against time, Adair’s husband acted swiftly, ensuring she was taken to the emergency room at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where she worked. Thanks to the quick actions of the medical team, Adair was correctly diagnosed with aortic dissection using a point-of-care ultrasound. Dr. Shawn Chawla, trained under the supervision of Dr. Partho P. Sengupta, identified the tear in Adair’s aorta, leading to immediate treatment.

Following open-heart surgery performed by cardiac surgeon Dr. Hirohisa Ikegami, Adair faced a challenging road to recovery. Complications, including a stroke and breathing difficulties, added to the already daunting journey. Despite the setbacks, Adair remains grateful for the timely intervention that saved her life.

As she continues her recovery, Adair’s focus has shifted to genetic testing for her children and nieces to determine if they are also at risk for Loeys-Dietz syndrome. With appointments scheduled for the kids to undergo testing and potential monitoring by a cardiologist, Adair remains hopeful for their future health.

The story of Sara Adair serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, early detection, and swift action when it comes to aortic dissections. Through her resilience and determination, Adair has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others facing similar challenges.