Anjanee Mahabir
Mother and Daughter Receive Life-Saving Care for Genetic Cardiac Disease
Every heart, every patient and every story is different, which is why Broward Health is committed to providing patients with the right doctors to treat a wide variety of specific cardiovascular conditions. From heart screenings and individual risk identification to diagnosis, high-tech treatments and lifestyle support, Broward Health’s commitment to cardiac care excellence is underscored by the experiences of patients like Anjanee Mahabir and her mother, Savitri Mahabir, whose lives were profoundly impacted by the exceptional attention they received.
Anjanee Mahabir, a 54-year-old enthusiastic healthcare advocate and Broward Health patient, shared her remarkable journey at Broward Health, which began when her mother suffered two life-threatening heart attacks and required triple bypass surgery.
“Between October 2021 and June 2022, my mother survived two widowmaker heart attacks, a code blue, three cardiac life vest shocks and a complex bypass surgery all thanks to the heroic efforts of Dr. Mohammed Osman and the cardiac care teams at Broward Health," Anjanee recalled.
Unfortunately, the Mahabir’s family health crisis did not end there. As Anjanee's mother began her recovery, Anjanee encountered her own cardiac emergency.
“I started having progressive symptoms of excessive fatigue and a pressure feeling in my upper left-side chest and eye, eventually causing blurred vision,” Anjanee remembered. “I visited another hospital system at the time, where the doctors quickly released me, despite my family history of heart disease.”
Mohamed Osman, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at Broward Health Coral Springs, however, emphasized the importance of family history for Anjanee, given her mother's condition. Despite initial tests revealing no apparent signs of cardiac disease, Dr. Osman persisted in his efforts to ensure that Anjanee’s heart health was fully assessed. While a CT angiogram revealed a 50% blockage in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, the cardiac catheter angiogram revealed the blockage to be 99%. As a result, Anjanee underwent a life-saving stent placement procedure.
"Anjanee is from Asian-Indian descent, which are ethnic groups genetically predisposed to heart disease,” said Dr. Osman. “Other factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, being overweight or obese, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use. Understanding individual risks and early detection are two crucial factors in cardiac health outcomes.”
“I received exceptional care at Broward Health, and Dr. Osman’s expertise helped my mother and me feel safe during times of fear and uncertainty," said Anjanee as she reflected on her experience. "The nurses and staff were compassionate to our entire family, providing comfort and support when we needed it most. Their dedication, responsiveness and follow-through really demonstrate Broward Health’s commitment to excellence."
Anjanee, now recovered, volunteers as a member of the Broward Health Patient and Family Advisory Council, providing insight on matters most important to patients and their families.
“As a health insurance agent and a patient advocate, my passion has always been helping people navigate the complexities of their healthcare needs, but my experience as a cardiac patient has inspired me to have an even greater impact on others,” Anjanee added. “People never tend to think that a health crisis such as heart disease could happen to them at any age, even without obvious and alarming symptoms, which is why I want my story to be heard. Always be proactive about your health and don’t brush off subtle signs from your body that something may be amiss.”
Heart disease is often referred to as the silent killer, especially among women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U. S. and can affect women at any time at any age. In fact, the CDC reports that more than 44% of women are currently living with some form of heart disease.
To learn more about cardiovascular services at Broward Health, click below.