In a remarkable story of resilience and gratitude, Jennifer Harlan, a registered nurse from Colorado, has overcome three heart attacks in the past five years. Last week, she had the chance to meet with the EMS crew who saved her life, expressing her deep gratitude for their role in her recovery. Harlan shared the details of her heart health journey and offered prevention tips in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital.

Harlan's first heart attack occurred in February 2018 when she woke up in the middle of the night with alarming symptoms - shooting pain down her left arm, sweating, paleness, and nausea. She immediately went to the emergency department, but her tests came back normal, and she was discharged. Two days later, the symptoms returned, but Harlan ignored them, convinced she couldn't be experiencing a heart attack. It was only three days later when she saw a cardiologist that she learned she had lost blood flow to a significant portion of her heart.

The diagnosis was SCAD, a rare heart condition known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection. There are no known causes or risk factors for SCAD, and it often affects otherwise healthy women in their 40s and 50s. Harlan, who leads a healthy lifestyle and has no risk factors for heart disease, found herself facing an unexpected and life-threatening situation.

Nearly three years later, in October 2021, Harlan experienced her second SCAD occurrence. This time, she recognized the symptoms and quickly sought medical help, minimizing the damage. Then, in August 2023, Harlan had her most recent episode. Despite being discharged from the emergency department, she suddenly lost consciousness and went into full cardiac arrest. Thanks to her husband's quick thinking and CPR training, Harlan received life-saving intervention from first responders and was rushed to the hospital.

Harlan spent five days in the ICU, where doctors discovered another tear in a small artery, which had caused a clot. She underwent further treatment, including the implantation of a defibrillator/pacemaker. Harlan faced challenges during her recovery, including broken ribs and a broken sternum from the CPR. However, she made a full recovery and is now back to engaging in her favorite exercises, such as yoga and walking.

Throughout her journey, Harlan received care at Sky Ridge Medical Center, a level 2 trauma center and a "sister hospital" to where she works as a nurse. David Welcom, director of cardiovascular services at Sky Ridge, expressed his team's honor in caring for Harlan and emphasized their commitment to providing the same level of care for the community.

Reflecting on her experience as a patient, Harlan gained a different perspective on the anxieties and challenges patients face in the hospital. She understands the importance of not just being a skilled nurse but also empathizing with patients' fears and uncertainties.

Although SCAD has no known prevention methods, Harlan advises people to pay close attention to their symptoms and seek medical help if they suspect a heart attack. She emphasizes the mantra "time is tissue" in healthcare, stressing the importance of seeking immediate help to prevent permanent damage. Harlan encourages individuals to trust their instincts and not dismiss potential heart attack symptoms.

Harlan also underscores the significance of CPR training, as it can double or triple the chances of survival during a heart attack. She credits her husband's quick response and CPR knowledge for her survival. Harlan urges everyone to get trained in CPR to potentially save a life.

As Harlan continues her recovery, she remains grateful for the second chances she has been given and strives to live each day with gratitude. While she acknowledges the uncertainty of the future, she finds comfort in having an internal defibrillator that provides an added level of security.

Harlan's story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of timely medical intervention. Her journey of survival and gratitude offers inspiration and valuable lessons to others.