Modern Family Star Julie Bowen Reveals Long-Term Heart Condition

Julie Bowen, best known for her role in Modern Family, revealed she has been living with sick sinus syndrome since her late 20s, a heart condition causing dangerously low heart rates. Diagnosed at age 29, she was fitted with a pacemaker that alerts her if her heart rate falls below 45 beats per minute, well below the typical range of 60 to 100. Bowen credits her sister, a medical student at the time, for recognizing something was wrong after listening to her heartbeat during a vacation, which prompted her to seek cardiology care. Initially attributing her low heart rate to her history as a competitive runner, Bowen experienced frequent fainting spells and lightheadedness before her diagnosis. Though she initially feared the impact of the condition on her life, she now often forgets about her pacemaker and is in good health. Medical professionals warned her that without the pacemaker, she risked passing out and potentially causing harm while driving, leading her to promptly accept the device.