Courtney, a Project Manager on the popular renovation show ‘The Block’, has recently shared details about her challenging experience with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), a heart condition that causes a rapid heartbeat. The health episode was prominently featured in a recent episode of the show, but it was not the first time Courtney had dealt with SVT while on the construction site. She revealed that the condition had occurred twice previously during filming, though she managed to conceal it from her colleagues and the cameras.
Understanding Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Supraventricular Tachycardia, or SVT, is characterized by episodes of an abnormally fast heart rate originating from the heart’s upper chambers. This condition stems from an electrical abnormality within the heart, as explained by the Victor Chang Research Institute. While SVT is not considered fatal, the sudden onset of a rapid heartbeat can be a frightening experience for those affected.
An On-Site Health Scare
During a recent episode, Courtney experienced an SVT attack while collaborating with her partner, Sev, on room layouts. Despite feeling the familiar symptoms of the rapid heartbeat, she initially chose to manage it privately. After Sev departed, a cameraman noticed Courtney seemed unwell and offered to call for an ambulance. Courtney declined the offer, a decision influenced by her past experiences and her professional environment.
This particular SVT episode lasted for over 20 minutes, prompting Courtney to seek assistance from Lisa, a fellow contestant and a qualified paramedic. Courtney explained that while she and Lisa did not have a close personal relationship at that stage, she trusted Lisa’s professional judgment. “It was more that she was a professional,” Courtney stated. “So if I call asking for medical advice, she’s just going to snap straight into the logical thought process just to talk me through it, because I got to the point where I wasn’t able to sort of stop it myself.”
Reasons for Hesitation in Seeking Immediate Medical Help
Courtney elaborated on her reluctance to call an ambulance to the worksite, even during this more severe episode. She recalled a previous incident where she broke her spine on a job site but still avoided calling an ambulance. “I would walk to the hospital before I (call an ambulance to site),” she admitted. “It’s just a funny old thing for me.”
Sev suggested that the ingrained mindset of women in male-dominated industries, such as construction, might contribute to this reluctance. “I think Courtney, as a female site manager, already has so much to fight against and earn respect… these sort of little things, as bad as it is to say out loud, you do get judged,” Sev commented, highlighting the additional pressures faced by women in such roles.
Managing the SVT Attack
Courtney and Lisa agreed on a plan: if Courtney could not regain control of her heart rate after five attempts at intervention techniques, an ambulance would be called. Courtney described how SVT can be disorienting, even when one understands the condition. “You can go into a little bit of a panic, and other symptoms come up,” she explained. “I know exactly what’s happening, but your body starts tricking you because you start sweating, and you start going clammy, and you’re absolutely not having a heart attack, but your brain starts tricking you.” This phenomenon underscores the psychological impact of the physical symptoms.
Courtney’s Diagnosis Journey
Courtney was officially diagnosed with SVT in 2022. Prior to her diagnosis, she had experienced intermittent episodes of rapid heart rate, skipped beats, and heart palpitations, which she initially dismissed as common occurrences. However, one particular incident during a family lunch, where the palpitations persisted for an extended period, raised her concern.
The prolonged symptoms, coupled with shortness of breath, led her to hope her family would leave so she could seek medical attention. When the symptoms continued unabated, she decided to call for an ambulance. Upon arrival, paramedics immediately connected her to an ECG machine, which quickly confirmed the SVT diagnosis.
Living with SVT
Despite the frightening nature of SVT episodes, Courtney emphasized that the condition is not life-threatening. Her willingness to share her experience aims to raise awareness and perhaps offer some comfort to others who may be dealing with similar health challenges. The incident on ‘The Block’ highlighted not only her personal health battle but also the unique pressures and considerations faced by women in demanding professional environments.
The experience also brought to light the importance of having trusted professionals, like Lisa, available in challenging situations. Courtney’s proactive approach to managing her health, combined with the support system she found on set, allowed her to navigate a difficult health scare while continuing her demanding role on the show.
