‘One day I was healthy, the next I was fighting for my life because of a virus I’d never heard of’
Rhys Edwards, from Penarth, had a cardiac arrest on a work trip(Image: British Heart Foundation Cymru)
When he had a cardiac arrest on a work trip newly-married expectant dad Rhys Edwards, 35, didn’t think he’d make it home.
Having been rushed to hospital doctors fitted a temporary pacemaker but it dislodged and his heart stopped.
“The machine was accidentally disconnected and my heart stopped immediately. I honestly thought I’d died,” said Rhys. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
The father-of-two from Penarth recalled a sense of peace washing over him despite the grave danger he was in.
Rhys in hospital in New York after having a cardiac arrest(Image: Georgia Edwards)
“I fell unconscious and remember feeling a sense of warmth and euphoria.
“I was unbelievably happy, sitting with my son and talking to my dad who passed away years ago,” he recalled.
“Then I woke up to doctors shaking me.
“That was the moment I realised how close I’d come.”
Later that day he was fitted with a temporary pacemaker, externally located but attached to his chest, reducing the chances of another accidental disconnection.
When he had boarded the plane to New York for the work trip life couldn’t have been better.
Just two weeks earlier he had married his wife Georgia in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends.
“It was the happiest time of my life,” Rhys said.
“We had our little boy Archie there and we’d just found out Georgia was expecting our daughter Wynny. Everything felt perfect.”
But within days everything changed. Rhys began feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms.
“Georgia told me not to go but I thought I could push through,” he said.
By the time he landed in New York his condition had worsened.
“My body was sore, walking was hard, and then I noticed a strange rash across my chest. I thought it was just a nasty virus.”
After calling his boss Rhys headed to hospital. “I wasn’t worried – I thought they’d give me some meds and send me home.
“But when they scanned me my temperature was 39 degrees and things spiralled from there.”
Doctors discovered his heart was in distress and he was transferred to a cardiac critical care unit.
““I remember watching my heart rate drop from the 60s to 35 beats per minute. That’s when it hit me – something was seriously wrong.”
Rhys had a pacemaker fitted(Image: Georgia Edwards)
At 5am Rhys underwent an emergency procedure to fit a temporary transvenous pacemaker, which is a line inserted down the right jugular vein directly into the heart.
The effect was immediate and he was stabilised at a rate of 80 beats per minute but became entirely dependent on this pacemaker which had to be replaced when it failed.
After he was stabilised and fitted with the permanent pacemaker further tests revealed the cause of his cardiac arrest – a rare strain of Coxsackie virus, which is linked to hand, foot and mouth disease.
“It was surreal. One day I was healthy, the next I was fighting for my life because of a virus I’d never heard of.”
After nearly two weeks in hospital Rhys was discharged but had to stay in a hotel still for a further week before flying back home to start the long and painful recovery process.
“The physical side was tough but the mental side was brutal,” he said. “I had panic attacks, constant anxiety, and I didn’t even have the strength to pick up my son. That broke me.”
Rhys pictured with his wife Georgia
Nearly four years on since his brush with death in 2022 Rhys has had his pacemaker removed, is now monitored via an implantable loop recorder, and is slowly rebuilding his life.
“I’m not the same person I was before. I still get flutters and worry about pushing myself too hard. But I focus on gratitude – watching my kids play, enjoying the little things.”
Rhys, who works for a global aircraft leasing company, credits the British Heart Foundation for vital support.
“Their nurse helpline was a lifeline for me. And Georgia even ran Cardiff Half Marathon for them in 2024.
“I want people to know there is life after a heart scare, but recovery takes time. Don’t rush it. Seek help – especially for your mental health.”
Rhys added: “If you’re feeling unwell for too long see a doctor. Don’t assume it’s just a bug.
“If I hadn’t spoken to my boss that day I would have died on the plane home. If you’ve been through a health scare like this I’d say take it one day at a time and just be thankful you’re here.”
Rhys is one of dozens of people to share their story as part of a campaign by British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru. To mark 65 years of BHF funding lifesaving research the charity is unveiling 65 red benches across the UK in tribute to those living with cardiovascular disease. A red bench has been unveiled in Penarth’s Alexandra Park to recognise Rhys’ experience.
Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.