My heart has been through a lot – and I’m still here

My name is Marcin, and I've been living with heart disease for over two decades. My story began suddenly – in 2003, I suffered myocarditis after a bout with the flu. I was only 22 years old. Two years later, I had a pacemaker implanted – the first serious sign that my life would never be the same again.

From 2006 to 2014, I underwent several ablations due to recurrent supraventricular arrhythmias. Just when things seemed to be stabilizing, I suffered a heart attack in 2019. This was another blow – both physical and mental.

In 2022, after surviving COVID-19, I suffered another episode of myocarditis – myocarditis – and one of the most difficult phases of my life began: numerous ventricular arrhythmias, including PVCs and ventricular tachycardias (VT). These required four more ablations. In 2024, the entire pacing system needed to be replaced due to damage to the ventricular lead. In January 2025, another ablation was performed, this time due to a recurrence of atrial flutter.

It's a long, difficult road. But it's also a road that has taught me that every day is precious, and that a quick response saves lives. Today, I'm not just a patient, but also a patient advocate. I advocate, educate, and support others—because I know how much the voices of those who have been through all this are missed.

"Don't miss a moment"—it's not just a slogan. It's my daily motto. Because I know that the heart doesn't wait, and ignoring symptoms can cost a life.

If this story helps even one person react faster, see a doctor, and not ignore fatigue or palpitations—then it has been worthwhile.