Jade DeBerry’s story began in February 2007, when at just 23 years old, she experienced a severe cough and shortness of breath. Jade visited the emergency room where a series of tests and scans were run, including one to test her ejection fraction rate.
An Idiopathic Congestive Heart Failure Diagnosis
An ejection fraction rate is measured as a percentage of the total amount of blood pumped out with each heartbeat. A normal ejection fraction is 50 percent or higher. A number below 40 percent means the heart is not pumping enough blood. Jade’s team learned that her ejection fraction rate was far below the normal range, and she received the shocking diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
Jade was immediately referred to a cardiologist in her area who began treating her heart failure with medication. This began her long and difficult heart-health journey.
Jade shares, “My symptoms first began shortly after I had come back from a cruise. I went to the nearby emergency room twice. Each time, they ran X-rays that showed what appeared to be inflammation in my lungs. I was told it was likely bronchitis. My husband, Robert DeBerry, Jr., insisted I return to the doctor as I was not improving. When I went to the emergency room the third time, they tested my ejection fraction and ran an echocardiogram, an electrocardiogram and a computed tomography (CT) scan. That is how I was diagnosed.”
With medications, Jade’s ejection fraction returned to normal, and she saw relief from her symptoms.
Jades says, “I felt better and also learned my congestive heart failure is idiopathic. I don’t have blocked arteries. Through gathering my medical history, doctors also learned that both of my parents have congestive heart failure, so there might be a genetic component.”
Symptoms Spiral More than a Decade Later
In 2019, Jade experienced a reoccurrence of her symptoms. Along with renewed shortness of breath, she also had leg swelling.
She visited her primary care provider who sent her for an X-ray and prescribed antibiotics for what was believed to be acute bronchitis.
Recalling that scary time, Jade says, “The antibiotics didn’t work, so Robert encouraged me to go to the emergency room. I was hospitalized with congestive heart failure for four days. Following discharge, I awoke very early the next morning clammy with pain in my hands and in the center of my chest.”
Unable to rest, Jade headed to the restroom and collapsed.
“Robert works second shift,” Jade recalls, “but luckily he was home. He heard me fall, so he got up to check on me and immediately called 911.”
Jade was rushed to a close by hospital via ambulance. This time, Jade was diagnosed with a secondary issue — a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), which is the separation of the coronary arterial wall. Surprisingly, this condition is more common in younger women. In fact, it may account for up to four percent of all cases of acute coronary syndrome.
On October 25, 2019, while an inpatient in the hospital, Jade received a stent placement to treat her congestive heart failure. Providers also explained that they believed it was during the latest emergency that her artery dissection occurred. She remained in the hospital for five days and was discharged home.
“After the stent placement, I felt a lot better,” Jade comments. “I wasn’t clammy anymore and my chest pain went away. However, I was extremely fatigued for three weeks following my procedure. I couldn’t even stand for long when taking a shower. Eventually, that resolved.”
The Search for a Caring Cardiologist Opens a Door to WakeMed
She was referred to a cardiologist connected to that hospital system for ongoing care, but she and Robert felt his bedside manner was lacking empathy. Robert encouraged her to reach out to her Zeta Phi Beta sorority sisters for recommendations for a new cardiologist. Through the grapevine, she found out about an amazingly talented Delta Sigma Theta sorority sister and cardiologist named Chelsea Ngongang, MD, FACC, of WakeMed Heart & Vascular — a hospital system she’d yet to visit.
Little did she know, Dr. Ngongang was part of one of the top cardiology systems in North Carolina. WakeMed Heart & Vascular boasts extraordinary service, compassionate care and a long-standing history of excellence in innovation.
“How I met Dr. Ngongang is one of my favorite stories to share,” Jade asserts. “The initial cardiologist seemed not to care about me. He was like, ‘Take these meds, and I’ll check back with you in six months.’ When I met Dr. Ngongang which was also my introduction to WakeMed, I was surprised by her compassion. During our first appointment, she took her time talking about my symptoms and going through medications. She went really in depth with my history to determine next steps. It was clear she wanted to understand what happened, why it started and what we could do moving forward.”
Dr. Ngongang explains, “Mrs. Deberry’s resilience amazes me. She is dedicated to living her best life and as her cardiologist, I will use my resources and knowledge to help her achieve that.
“As to her complex heart conditions acquired at such a young age, Mrs. Deberry is dealing with the luck of the draw. We surmise her congestive heart failure may be genetic, but it could also be idiopathic. Yet, other young patients may acquire congestive heart failure after contracting a virus or autoimmune disorder. Likewise, SCAD is idiopathic for Mrs. DeBerry. Typically, in SCAD, we see this in women who have potential predisposing factors, to include fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), postpartum status, multiparity (≥4 births), connective tissue disorders, systemic inflammatory conditions and hormonal therapy. None of these factors are relevant for her.”
Dr. Ngongang referred Jade to WakeMed electrophysiologist George Hamrick, MD, FACC, for a defibrillator placement at the WakeMed Heart Center since her heart function did not improve as much as she had hoped after the stent placement.
Dr. Hamrick explains, “She has a weakness to the heart muscle that leads to an increased risk for abnormal heart rhythms. Some are uncomfortable and anxiety provoking, but some can be life-threatening. The defibrillator is implanted to protect her from those life-threatening heart rhythms. It is monitoring her heart all the time, and if it detects an abnormal fast heart rhythm, it can either pace or shock the heart to correct that rhythm and prevent it from causing sudden death. If the heart beats too slowly because of myopathy or her medications, it acts as a pacemaker. While the defibrillator does not improve or strengthen her heart, it serves as a safety net to protect her if one of the bad heart rhythms occurs while she is being treated for cardiomyopathy. I have seen her improve through the excellent medical care she is receiving from Dr. Ngongang, Dr. Russell and Tanaya Foster, and the defibrillator simply serves as a layer of protection.”
Dr. Ngongang also referred Jade to Stuart Russell, MD, who specializes in advanced heart failure.
Dr. Russell shares, “Our Advanced Heart Failure clinic and Tanaya Foster, PA, have worked closely with Dr. Ngongang and Mrs. Deberry to manage her heart failure and fluid overload with titration of her diuretics to keep her healthy at home.”
Additionally, Dr. Ngongang referred Jade to WakeMed Cardiac Rehab where a team of nurses, counselors, nutritionists, therapists and exercise specialists administered cardiac exercise while monitoring Jades heart rate, blood pressure and heart rhythm to help her regain her strength.
“At WakeMed, a whole team took care of me after my defibrillator placement, and a team continues to care for me today,” says Jade glowing.
A Hopeful Future for Jade
Through medical management, the hope is that Jade’s heart will continue to improve.
Jade cautions, “I’ve been told that if my heart function continues to deteriorate, or if it doesn’t keep getting better, I might need a heart transplant.”
Dr. Ngongang affirms, “I am the gatekeeper for Mrs. DeBerry’s cardiovascular care, titrating her medications and assessing her symptoms. I, along with her subspecialty team of cardiologists, are committed to doing all we can to provide her the best quality of life.”
Today, Jade, an assistant principal at a Raleigh-based high school, is back to enjoying her life, trying new restaurants, listening to audio books and supporting her students. She and Robert do not have children of their own, but they are hopeful.
“We don’t have any biological children because doctors have told me that carrying a child would put too much stress on my heart, but we are exploring different options,” Jade discloses.
The Advocate
Reflecting on several tumultuous years of misdiagnoses and challenging symptoms, Jade is now grateful.
“I’m very thankful my husband, Robert, encouraged me to get checked out each time I had a symptom. He’s the reason I went to the hospital in the first place. It was also because of him that I searched for a caring and thorough cardiologist — which led me to Dr. Ngongang. She really takes her time, and now I feel better about my congestive heart failure journey. Dr. Ngongang is truly the best advocate. She gave me a team I can trust.”
About WakeMed Cardiac Rehab
WakeMed Cardiac Rehab offers a safe, monitored environment where you can gain the strength, confidence, camaraderie and nutritional know-how you need to live a heart-healthy life.
The WakeMed Cardiac Rehab specialists welcome patients who have or had:
- A recent heart attack
- Cardiac bypass surgery
- Angioplasty or stent placement
- Valve repair or replacement surgery
- A heart transplant
- Stable angina
- Heart failure
Patients with ventricular assist devices also benefit from our program.
About WakeMed Heart and Vascular
WakeMed Heart & Vascular physicians bring together expert cardiovascular, thoracic and vascular surgeons who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of cardiovascular care in Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner 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.
Visit WakeMed Heart & Vascular
You must be logged in to post a comment.