Jennifer Khurana’s Story

If asked on her 49th birthday, whether 50th celebrations would include a follow-up appointment at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI), Jennifer Khurana would have replied with an emphatic, “No!”. Calling her check-up at UOHI, “A gift to herself.” the beginning of Jennifer’s 50th year marked both a milestone and complete recovery from open-heart surgery.

 

A lawyer, and mother of two teenagers, Jennifer returned to Ottawa with her family in 2013 after years of working overseas. Appointed Chairperson of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal in 2022, Jennifer says that she has always felt very fortunate to live a full and healthy life including sports, exercise and a healthy diet.

 

The loss of her father, when she was only 18, uncle, and grandfather to heart attacks played a large role in Jennifer’s commitment to physical activity and wellness. “My father was Indian, and I grew up knowing that people of South Asian heritage had a much higher risk of heart disease.”

 

Following a viral infection in 2023, Jennifer found it difficult to assume normal activity. “I was getting chest pains and becoming short of breath every time I exerted myself.” When a friend expressed concern during a workout on a girl’s trip, she knew it was time for a visit to her physician. “My family doctor was great and said, ‘Women’s health concerns are often diminished or dismissed. You know your body. You don’t come here often, so if you come to me with unexplained chest pain, we will investigate until we have an answer.’”

 

Still carrying the weight and significance of her doctor’s words, Jennifer says that her participation in JUMP IN™ was a way to make change. “JUMP IN™ is about research, education, prevention and so much more. It is also about advocacy. Women are underdiagnosed and undertreated. We need to nudge each other to speak up, make those appointments, and insist on the time and energy it takes to find answers.”

 

Reassured by her healthy history and the normal results of heart-related tests and bloodwork orders, Jennifer says she was shocked when a CT scan, performed in the summer of 2024, revealed a lifelong congenital heart defect. “I was diagnosed with an anomalous right coronary artery. Its placement meant that the artery narrowed to a slit, preventing 90-95% of blood and oxygen from getting through, and so my heart was trying to adapt and compensate for this problem.” Her family doctor explained it by telling her that it was like, “having a garden hose that is totally clean inside, but someone is standing on it so not much is getting through.”

 

Jennifer says that it was the thoughtful care of cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Hadi Toeg, that allowed for her decision to move forward with an open-heart procedure called an RCA implementation. “I was initially worried about having surgery but felt assured that it would be a lot safer to proceed in a planned and controlled situation versus in the middle of a heart attack. Beyond their vast expertise and knowledge, Dr. Toeg and Dr. Maharajh brought warmth and empathy to their care which also helped reassure my family and friends.”

 

The day before her procedure, Jennifer and her family skated the length of the Rideau Canal. She says that her confidence in the entire UOHI team helped to calm her nerves leading up to surgery. “All of that connected support extends far beyond the surgeons and operating room. I remember waking up in the ICU surrounded by the most amazing nurses. The attentiveness and quality of care was there at every step of this experience.”

 

Determined to recover quickly, Jennifer religiously headed out for winter walks in her protective puffer coat. “Recovery was not always linear, but my work to stay fit and active prior to the surgery, really paid off. The support and love from the Institute, my friends, family, and everyone involved also made for many daily wins.” Returning to the gym after only four months, she says that it felt euphoric to be back running on the treadmill.

 

Happy to share her story and recent lessons, Jennifer says that she would encourage women to listen to themselves and their bodies. “Treat yourself the same way that you would when caring for those you love. Treat yourself like a best friend. If your best friend told you that she was feeling unwell, you would send her to the doctor. Women work so hard, don’t sleep enough, and rarely listen to the symptoms. They also don’t want to cause inconvenience or put anyone out. Advocate for yourself! I would do this for any woman or person I know.”