Bloomington AFib patient's heart isn't holding her back anymore

A retired clinical psychologist, former anthropologist, and current bakery owner, Louise Miracle has always lived an extremely active lifestyle.

Her accomplishments include running 19 marathons and hiking the Grand Canyon over 20 times, and she was determined to continue doing what she loved even when her heart issues began.

She first visited IU Health Bloomington Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist John Strobel, MD, about 15 years ago, when she began experiencing irregular heartbeats called premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). This can feel like the heart is fluttering or skipping a beat, and they originally decided to just monitor it.

In 2020, it worsened into atrial fibrillation (AFib). This common heart concern can cause rapid, irregular heartbeats, which can make a person feel short of breath, dizzy and tired.

Over time, she tried multiple medications, had five cardioversions—which reset abnormal heart rhythms—and seven ablations—which scar small parts of the heart that cause disease— to try and fix it without a pacemaker.

Being such an active person, Miracle really struggled from 2020 to 2023 as all of this was happening.

“There were many months when I could barely walk across the living room. It was a very sobering experience,” says Miracle.

While she was able to continue with the bakery, she was forced to take a break from other physical activities but made a point to have some kind of walk every day.

Miracle explains, “I think that was an important vow, because I never wanted to feel hopeless.”

Miracle hoped the ablations and medications would eventually correct the problem, but her symptoms continued to progress.

“When my husband passed away in April 2024, I think all that stress just pushed my heart to the limit,” says Miracle.

That’s when Dr. Strobel suggested it may be time for a pacemaker, which she received in May 2024.

“It's been an absolute game changer,” says Miracle, who is back to intense workouts, hiking at McCormick's Creek multiple times a week and has hiked the Grand Canyon again.

Throughout this journey, Dr. Strobel and his team helped her remain hopeful.

“I always felt comfort knowing I was in their care. They were always extremely responsible, enthusiastic and receptive, and I knew I was in the best hands possible,” says Miracle.

She is preparing to hike the Grand Canyon again this summer and feels relieved knowing her heart is not holding her back.

Miracle even connected with an online community of hikers living with AFib, which has been a valuable source of support and advice.

“As we get older, it's really important for us to stay physically active so we can have a quality of life that allows us to do the things that bring us meaning and purpose,” says Miracle. “Keeping our heart healthy is about as important as it gets.”