My journey with heart disease began when I was diagnosed with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at just 24 years old. Deep down, I had always felt something was not quite right, but hearing the diagnosis was still a shock.
At the time, I was about to graduate in physical education, and the news made me question everything, especially if I was on the right path. With so much on my mind, I decided to travel—to Australia and then London—to work, explore, and figure things out.
Initially, I did not take my condition seriously. It took me some time to truly understand and accept how serious it was.
In 2019, I returned to Italy, where I now live and work. By then, my condition had worsened, and doctors strongly recommended that I get an S-ICD implant as a safety net—a “parachute,” as they called it. I agreed, even though I thought I would never actually need it.
That device ended up saving my life.
After this experience, I decided to open an Instagram page, @francesca_livingwiththesicd, to support and inspire others facing similar challenges. Through the page, I connect with patients and their loved ones worldwide, sharing my journey and offering encouragement to those making tough decisions about their health.