(Instagram)
Kim Zolciak suffered a small stroke this past week and now she is forced to quit Dancing With the Stars. Even so, Zolciak was hoping that she did not have to leave the show. Since the stroke, cast members, fans, friends and family have rallied around the star to show their support. We all hope for a speedy recovery for Zolciak and send well wishes her way. Read on below for all the facts on Zolciak’s health crisis.
1. Zolciak Suffered a “TIA”
On September 23, 2015, Zolciak suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA) after flying home to Atlanta from Dancing With the Stars in Los Angeles. This type of mini-stroke is defined as, “a transient episode of neurologic dysfunction caused by ischemia (loss of blood flow) – either focal brain, spinal cord, or retinal – without acute infarction (tissue death).” A TIA is generally caused by a disruption of the cerebral blood flow or an embolus (a clot) that occludes an artery in the brain. These strokes cause numbness, mental confusion, paralysis, loss of speech, aphasia, and dimming or loss of vision. Ways to help avoid suffering a TIA include not smoking, reducing fats in your diet, eating healthy, reducing sodium in your diet, exercising, cutting back on alcohol, watching your blood sugar, and controlling your blood pressure.
Having a stroke in the future can be common with those who suffer TIAs, so it’s important to take care of the body.
Zolciak’s stroke was brought on by a blood clot.
2. A Heart Condition Was Discovered In the Aftermath of Zolciak’s Stroke
Zolciak’s mini-stroke may have been a blessing in disguise as it revealed an un-diagnosed heart issue. According to TMZ, the specific heart diagnosis has not been revealed. However, Zolciak has undergone a procedure for it and the doctors supposedly told her that if the condition had been left untreated, it could have been life-threatening.
3. She Announced the News Via Instagram
When Kim Zolciak announced the news of her stroke, she posted the above photo on Instagram with this as a caption:
The last 24hrs have been whirlwind! I landed yesterday morning from LAX (took the red eye right after DWTS) I got home and within minutes suffered a TIA (mini stroke) the left side of my body went completely numb and my speech was gone. Extremely grateful for @sladeosborne @briellebiermann @nikitpressley @kroybiermann for quick reactions! I have 100%of my feeling back THANK GOD. Still in the hospital but I just know I’m getting released today! #CrazyAgeDoesntMatter
On tonight’s episode of DWTS, Zolciak’s partner Tony Dovolani performed their “I Dream of Jeannie” routine with pro dancer Jenna rather than Kim. Kim phoned in via Face Time and said she actually learned the whole dance, but her doctor wouldn’t allow her to fly. As a result, Kim Zolciak was forced to withdraw from the competition.
4. DWTS Partner Tony Dovolani Has Been At Her Side In the Hospital
In addition to Zolciak’s husband, family and friends, Zolciak’s DWTS partner Tony Dovolani has been at her side in the hospital as she recovers. Dovolani told People that:
After spending only a few weeks with Kim, it is evident of how much of a fighter she is. Her humor and positivity are still shining through, and it’s amazing to see the love and support of her family. We are hoping for a speedy recovery.
Zolciak posted the above photo of Dovolani in her hospital room with this as a caption:
This guy @tonydovolani has been by my side for 2 days! he even brings me my favorite coffee. Although he is always dancing around the room lol he keeps me smiling! So blessed to be surrounded by such great people. Want to go home so bad! Hopefully tomorrow! #GoingStirCrazy #BlessingInDisguse
5. Fellow DWTS Cast Member Sharna Burgess Hopes Zolciak Will Put Her Health First
After suffering her stroke, Zolciak released the following statement:
I want to thank everyone for their love and support over the past few days. I am now home with my family, resting and taking care of my health. I can’t express enough how much I love dancing and this whole experience, and I hope this will not be the end of dancing.
It’s undetermined as of right now if Zolciak will be able to appear on DWTS at all for the rest of the season, but in an interview with DWTS pro Sharna Burgess, Burgess stated that she hopes Zolciak puts her health first. Burgess said she couldn’t believe it when she heard that Zolciak had a stroke and she had nothing but kind words to say.