Any health-related information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, or before embarking on any diet, exercise, or wellness program.
Dolores Catania is feeling “back” to herself, six weeks after getting surgery to treat her AFib, or Atrial Fibrillation, which is an irregular and very rapid heart rhythm.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey mom of two took to Instagram, where she shared her story with the heart condition and how she’s now recovering today. “About six months ago, I was driving when I felt a sharp pain in my chest that radiated down my arm,” she wrote in the caption of the post. “As women, we tend to ignore aches and pains, brushing them off as part of every day life — but this felt different. After that, I started experiencing frequent flutters in my chest, sometimes waking me up at night.”
After calling her cardiologist, Dolores started wearing a heart monitor and was diagnosed with AFib. Dolores then had a cardiac ablation done in May to treat the condition. “I’m not six weeks out and back to myself!” she noted. “I’ll be off all medication soon, and I haven’t had any episodes since the procedure.”
Why Dolores Catania wanted to open up about her health journey
Dolores continued in the caption of the post, opening up about why she has been so candid about her heart health with her Instagram followers. “I’m sharing this because I want you to listen to your body,” she wrote. “That racing or fluttering in your chest you feel during simple tasks during the day — that’s your body trying to tell you something. DON’T IGNORE THIS. AFib increases your risk of stroke or heart attack.”
“Please don’t wait. Your heart health is not something to take lightly,” she added. “Take care of yourself. You deserve it.”
Dolores Catania shares update on her relationship with boyfriend, Paulie Connell
Dolores’ boyfriend, Paul “Paulie” Connell, has been alongside Dolores amid her journey with AFib, for every single step of the way. In May, shortly after getting her ablation done, Dolores took to her Instagram Story, where she shared an update on her relationship. “My heart is not broken,” she said in the video posted to her Story about her boyfriend, who also experienced a similar health issue in the past. “Paulie and I are together, as strong as ever. We’re very happy together.”
That same month, Paulie took to Instagram where he posted a tribute to Dolores on Mother’s Day. “You’ve shown the world what unconditional love, real loyalty, and unbreakable strength looks like,” he wrote. “A true mother, a protector, a force — and somehow still the most grounded woman in every room.”
Get another look at Dolores’ relationship with Paulie and how they’re showing their “love” for one another.