2025 Go Red for Women Class of Survivors: Bre Khounphinith

Six months after giving birth, Bre Khounphinith almost died when her heart stopped. Then, after a heart attack, Bre discovered her purpose and now uses her platform to discuss heart health with other women.

Growing up, doctors told Bre Khounphinith that asthma was responsible for her being winded and fatigued. In college, Bre was a cheerleader and passed out after every game. When it happened in front of her roommate, the friend called 911.

Doctors discovered Bre was born with an atrial septal defect, or a hole in the upper chambers of her heart present during fetal growth in the womb; the hole usually closes at birth or a short time after. It caused electrical problems that led her heart to skip beats. She started seeing a cardiologist and was prescribed medication.

Five years later, at 25, Bre got pregnant. She had the typical morning sickness, but otherwise no problems. However, during a visit with her cardiologist at seven months pregnant, he warned her about the stress having a baby could have on her heart.

“I don't know who told you, you could get pregnant. This baby could kill you!” he said.

Bre stormed out of the office and cried all the way home. She had planned to have a cesarean section, but a month before her due date, she was cleared to give birth naturally. A cardiologist was on hand as she delivered a healthy baby boy.

Six months later, Bre’s heart stopped. She was carrying her son upstairs when she suffered cardiac arrest. Her husband and mother happened to be home that day and heard her fall, called 911 and rushed to her aid. The dispatcher walked Bre’s husband through how to perform CPR. He continued chest compressions until paramedics arrived and shocked Bre’s heart into a normal rhythm using an automated external defibrillator, or AED. She was shocked again on route to the hospital and again in the emergency room.

Bre survived, but doctors placed her on life support, lowered her body temperature and kept her in a coma-like state for several days. The family was warned she might be severely brain damaged. She woke up several days later, and the following day most of her memory returned, although still today she has issues with her short-term memory.

Doctors think the stress during pregnancy on Bre’s already damaged heart, along with having very low potassium levels, may have caused her heart to stop. When she went home after two weeks, Bre wore a defibrillator vest to monitor her heart for some time. She also had to relearn to use her hands.

Seven months later she enrolled in cosmetology school. One day after class, she was out with her mom and felt like she might pass out. Her mother rushed her to the ER, where they told Bre she had a heart attack.

Since then, Bre has focused on staying healthy, taking her medications and maintaining regular visits with her cardiologist.

One thing she struggled with was survivor’s guilt, knowing she’d lost an aunt due to heart failure and lupus. Then Bre found her purpose. After completing cosmetology school, she began a career as a celebrity makeup artist and started using her beauty business to help women feel confident and as a way to share her story with others.

“When I got that second chance at life, I hit the ground running. I took every opportunity and accomplished pretty much every goal that I set for myself. It made me stronger mentally and physically,” she said.

Fast-forward 11 years to 2022 when Bre was forced to slow down again after being diagnosed with pericardial effusion, which occurs when fluids build up around the heart. Sometimes at night, she felt like she was drowning. She got better through medication and lung treatments.

Today, Bre prioritizes the health of her heart, mind, body and spirit while helping other women prioritize theirs. She changed her diet, works out, meditates and prays.

“I live life to the fullest. I really do,” she said. “I take every chance and opportunity that I can because I personally know how precious life is. I've almost lost it a few times.”

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