Real Housewives Star Dolores Catania, 54, Undergoes Life-Saving Heart Surgery

Dolores Catania Opens Up About Health Scare and Reveals the $30K Finale Party That Never Aired

Dolores Catania Opens Up About Health Scare and Reveals the $30K Finale Party That Never Aired

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women and Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania is using her own recent health scare to remind everyone why paying attention to your body matters. At just 54 years old, Dolores underwent heart surgery after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a serious heart condition that can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Dolores Catania Opens Up About Health Scare and Reveals the $30K Finale Party That Never Aired
Real Housewives Star Dolores Catania, 54, Undergoes Life-Saving Heart Surgery 3

In a deeply personal Instagram post, Dolores shared the moment she knew something was wrong:

“About six months ago, I was driving when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my chest that radiated down my arm. As women, we tend to ignore aches and pains, brushing them off as part of everyday life — but this felt different.”

The symptoms didn’t stop there. She continued, “After that, I started experiencing frequent flutters in my chest, sometimes waking me up at night. Eventually, I got scared enough to call my cardiologist. He gave me a heart monitor to wear, and within hours, he called to tell me I had AFib (atrial fibrillation). He referred me to an electrophysiologist, who confirmed the diagnosis.”

Dolores revealed the emotional moment when her doctor told her, “‘You’re not the same girl I met two years ago when you came here with Paul.’ Some of you may remember that my boyfriend, Paul Connell, was diagnosed with WPW (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome) and also needed an ablation.”

Dolores Catania Says Kyle Richards Offended Andy Cohen at RHOBH Reunion
Real Housewives Star Dolores Catania, 54, Undergoes Life-Saving Heart Surgery 4

With her surgery behind her, Dolores shared a hopeful update: “I’m now 6 weeks out and back to myself! I’ll be off all medication soon, and I haven’t had any episodes since the procedure.”

But the reality star’s message goes beyond her personal journey — it’s a powerful call to action for women everywhere:

“I’m sharing this because I want you to listen to your body. That racing or fluttering in your chest you feel doing 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.”

Ending with an encouraging note, Dolores urged her followers, “Please don’t wait. Your heart health is not something to take lightly. If you need recommendations for doctors, I was truly in the best of hands. Take care of yourself — you deserve it!! ??”

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12 comments

AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark June 23, 2025 - 1:47 pm
Two things; catheter ablation is not "heart surgery" (I've had five, and counting), and Delores hasn't been a "girl" for over 40 yrs.
P Q June 23, 2025 - 1:20 pm
I wonder if she took the Covid vaccine….
Zap It June 24, 2025 - 10:54 am
Damn, he was good looking back in the day.
AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark June 24, 2025 - 3:04 pm
I didn't even notice this is a very young Warren Beatty ... it's getting very difficult to find an appropriate giffy if you know what I mean, and I know you do. #hijacked by the woke
NikkiJax June 23, 2025 - 2:37 pm
Why?
Zap It June 24, 2025 - 10:54 am
Yeah, many have developed heart issues after taking that vaccine according to the medical studies. Other issues too like auto immune diseases.
AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark June 23, 2025 - 1:47 pm
Two things; catheter ablation is not "heart surgery", and Delores hasn't been a "girl" for over 40 yrs.
HelenWheels68 June 23, 2025 - 12:49 pm
Exaggerate much? She did not "undergo heart surgery! Your readers would be better served it you take the time to look into the facts instead of going for a sensational headline. "Ablation therapy is called a minimally invasive procedure because it does not require open surgery with large cuts through the skin and other tissues to remove the abnormal tissue."
AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark June 23, 2025 - 1:52 pm
Oops, should have read your post first:-)
HelenWheels68 June 23, 2025 - 12:49 pm
Exaggerate much? She did not "undergo heart surgery! Your readers would be better served it you take the time to look into the facts instead of going for a sensational headline. "Ablation therapy is called a minimally invasive procedure because it does not require open surgery with large cuts through the skin and other tissues to remove the abnormal tissue."
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