Heart disease is the number one killer in the US for women. I am blessed to have survived a heart attack! 

Now, I am raising awareness and funds for the American Heart Association. Will you consider donating for the San Diego Go Red for Women fund? Thank you for your support!

My story:

Knowing my mother had a heart attack at 39 meant I, too, had increased risks of heart disease. I focused on diet and exercise and making sure my numbers stayed in the healthy range. On paper, I was healthy.  I am a non-smoker, I don't have diabetes or high blood pressure, and cholesterol was in normal ranges. Even so, I couldn’t imagine the shortness of breath and jaw pain I experienced signaled a 98 percent blockage of my main coronary artery at the age of 48.

 I shared my family history of heart disease with the doctor, but my EKG results were normal. The doctor’s tried to diagnosis my symptoms as a panic attack and a tooth ache. I was persistent with the doctors; I knew what I felt was not normal and something was wrong. I insisted on more test and finally the doctors begrudgingly agreed. An angiogram revealed I had two arteries more than 98% blocked. After an angioplasty to the left main artery and RCA, the two arteries were stented.

The experience taught me to advocate for myself and the importance of understanding how family heart health history increases risk factors for heart disease. I am passionate about sharing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack with other women to avoid misdiagnosis and possibly death.

 Signs of a heart attack in women are: shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in arm, jaw or back, fatigue, cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness.

 Don’t wait to get help if you experience any of these heart attack warning signs. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience these symptoms.