A Heart Attack at 32: Shalom Trice's Story

At 32 years old, Shalom Trice and her partner were thrilled to welcome to the world their son, Ryan — born March 28, 2025. Her first pregnancy, Shalom was delighted it progressed without complications, and the labor and delivery went smoothly as well. 

She was consistent with her obstetrics check-ups throughout her pregnancy, and her doctors did not note any concerns based on her vitals and lab work. 

Sudden Pain

However, 12 weeks after delivery, on July 21, when she returned to work from maternity leave, she began experiencing sudden, severe chest pain and pressure combined with debilitating lethargy. She dragged herself to work each day, thinking her fatigue was just part of adjusting to working full time while still caring for her son every night. July 24, she awoke to prepare for work — breathless and exhausted, barely able to make it downstairs. 

"I was very weak and fatigued, so I left my son in his dad's care and went downstairs, where I lie down on the couch. Suddenly, I was nauseous and threw up. I decided I'd call out of work for the day and go to the nearest emergency room."

A Swift Trip to Urgent Medical Services

Shalom's mom took her to WakeMed Urgent Care - Garner. The care team quickly took her vital signs, performed blood work and immediately noted her troponin levels were dangerously high, indicating she was having a heart attack. They transferred her to WakeMed Raleigh Campus. 

"Everything happened quickly. I remember being very tired, then suddenly moved to another bed for transfer. Upon my arrival, the emergency team prepared me for a cardiac catheterization. I met Michael Cowherd, MD, a WakeMed cardiologist. He performed my procedure and explained that he'd be looking for irregularities in my arteries."

A Shocking Finding

During the catheterization, Dr. Cowherd and team detected a 90 percent blockage in her left anterior descending (LAD), sometimes called the "widowmaker." Heart attacks involving the LAD can be especially dangerous because it provides most of the blood flow to the left ventricle — the chamber of the heart that pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body.

"The temperature changed with those findings. Another cardiologist was called in. They explained to me that they would need to do another procedure that would take longer."

The team confirmed her blockage was due to coronary artery disease (CAD), or plaque buildup, and placed a stent in her LAD to restore blood flow.

Saved From a Widowmaker Heart Attack and Diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease

Shalom now sees Padma Hari, MD, FACC, FASE, a WakeMed cardiologist who specializes in women's heart health. She continues her care at Heart & Vascular - Cardiology - Six Forks and is currently on medical therapy for her CAD and  left-ventricle recovery. Shalom also receives lifestyle guidance from Dr. Hari, including increasing her water intake and avoiding fried foods. 

Dr. Cowherd offers, "Shalom's courage throughout her hospital stay was inspirational. With medical therapy and healthy habits, we expect her to enjoy a long, happy life with her new baby."

She was additionally referred to WakeMed Cardiac Rehab at WakeMed Raleigh Campus. 

Reflections on Great Care, Restored Vitality and Hope for a Bright Future

"Carrie and Brooke are my health care team leaders in the cardiac rehab program. Through this program, I've increased my confidence. I was very scared when I entered the program because I didn't understand my heart limitations. I've truly enjoyed the group exercises and nutrition instruction."

Today, Shalom is back at work and has joy in caring for her son. She credits Dr. Cowherd with saving her life and Dr. Hari with giving her hope and guidance for a bright future. 

"I appreciate Dr. Hari's thoroughness. She is very personable. Dr. Cowherd and his physician assistant were equally great. I'm thankful to the WakeMed Heart & Vascular team for giving me back my health."

Dr. Hari concludes, "Very happy for Shalom, who had a rather concerning finding at quite a young age. This is, again, an important reminder that women — even young — who are at very high risk with risk factors can easily be dismissed as non-cardiac. She has made wonderful lifestyle changes, and I am very confident that she will do well in the long run. Glad to be a part of this awesome team!"

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About WakeMed Cardiac Rehab

At WakeMed, cardiac rehab isn’t just about recovery – it’s about rediscovering confidence, gaining strength and knowledge to live a heart-healthy life. Our program is tailored for those recovering from cardiac events such as a heart attack, heart surgery (including bypass or valve repair/replacement), angioplasty or stent placement, heart failure or stable angina. Whether you join us in person or virtually, our expert team guides every step of your journey.

About WakeMed Heart & Vascular

WakeMed Heart & Vascular physicians bring together expert cardiologists along with cardiovascular, thoracic and vascular surgeons who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of cardiovascular care in Raleigh, Apex, Benson, Cary, Dunn, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Morrisville, Wake Forest and Clayton, N.C. For decades, these physicians have chosen to bring their talent and expertise to WakeMed for its reputation for excellence in cardiovascular care and commitment to providing the most exceptional patient experience.

About WakeMed Raleigh Campus Emergency Department

As part of the Raymond L. Champ Centers for Emergency Medicine on our Raleigh Campus, the adult emergency department is available around the clock, 365 days a year to treat everything from minor cuts and broken arms to something more serious like stroke, a heart attack or major trauma.

The Adult Emergency Department on the WakeMed Raleigh Campus is home to Wake County's only Level I Trauma Center, as well as a nationally accredited Chest Pain and Primary Stroke Center. Raleigh Campus adult emergency department is one of the busiest emergency departments in the state.

About WakeMed Urgent Care

WakeMed Urgent Care offers a wide range of adult and pediatric services for patients ages 4 months and up with multiple locations and specialty services to serve you. They offer fast, convenient treatment for common illnesses and injuries; highly-qualified, compassionate providers and staff; on-site x-ray and IV therapy; fracture management and laceration repair; occupational medicine & Worker’s Compensation; and physical exams for college, sports, camp or employment.