In August 2022 Macy Allen turned 18. A busy hairdressing apprentice with a second job in a pub and hectic social life with friends and her boyfriend Will, Macy was looking forward to another year of living her life at 100 miles per hour. Instead, at the end of October, life changed for her forever. Macy became seriously ill very quickly, and was suddenly unable to even climb the stairs at home without gasping for breath. After discovering her heart rate was much higher than it should have been she was admitted to hospital and ended up staying there for almost a month. It was suspected she may have inherited cardiomyopathy, and in May 2023 it was confirmed that Macy – along with her older brother Monty – has Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Macy has also been told she may need a heart transplant in the future.

On this episode with Sarah Marsh from the BHF, Macy speaks frankly about what it’s like coming to terms with having a genetic heart condition in your teens, how she coped with suddenly having to rely on family and friends for the seemingly simplest things, how she’s rebuilt her life in the face of numerous obstacles and now wants to share her story to help others. She also speaks about how BHF funded research has given her hope and ensures she knows she is not alone.

Macy’s story is one at the heart of the BHF’s Spotlight On campaign. You can find more information here: https://spotlighton.bhf.org.uk/hidden-heart-conditions

As a charity, the British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue carrying out our lifesaving research. If you too would like to donate, you can do so at bhf.org.uk/donatepod

If you've got any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s Heart Helpline, go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline and you'll find all the contact options there.

And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, we'd love to hear from you on email at thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk

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