What is the story about?
Lori Sepich, a 64-year-old from Memphis, Tennessee, experienced two heart attacks 13 years apart, despite a history of smoking and neglecting her blood
pressure medication. She reflects on how the possibility of a heart attack never registered with her until it was too late. Sepich's experience highlights a larger issue, as over 60 million women in the U.S. currently live with cardiovascular disease, which encompasses heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Contrary to the belief that heart attacks predominantly affect men, women are equally at risk, with one in five women in the U.S. succumbing to cardiovascular disease annually.
Preventing Heart Attacks
Experts recommend various strategies to mitigate heart attack risks. The American Heart Association has outlined a program known as 'Life’s Essential 8,' which includes eating a balanced diet, quitting tobacco, ensuring adequate sleep, increasing physical activity, and managing cholesterol, weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure.Dr. Stacey Rosen, president of the American Heart Association, emphasizes the importance of regular health checkups to monitor risk factors and discuss any family history of heart conditions. Furthermore, it is crucial for women to address specific risk factors that may disproportionately affect them.
Women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which can lead to inflammation and an increased risk of heart disease. Mental health conditions, such as depression, also pose a risk, as they may lead to unhealthy behaviors and increased inflammation.
Pregnancy-related conditions, including gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as symptoms experienced during menopause, such as hot flashes, can also contribute to heightened cardiovascular risk.
Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms
When envisioning a heart attack, many people picture a middle-aged man clutching his chest. However, Dr. Sharonne Hayes explains that the reality is often different, especially for women. While chest pain is a common symptom, women may experience a range of other symptoms.Dr. Rosen notes that women are more likely than men to report additional symptoms such as back pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, fatigue, nausea, lightheadedness, anxiety, jaw pain, and tingling in the fingers. These symptoms may present more subtly in women, leading to delays in seeking medical attention.
Hayes often hears patients express that their symptoms varied in intensity over time, yet they sensed something was amiss. Recognizing these differences is crucial for timely intervention.
Immediate Action is Essential
If a heart attack is suspected, Dr. Rosen advises calling 911 immediately. It is critical to prioritize health concerns over potential embarrassment or fear. Emergency medical services are better equipped to handle such situations than urgent care facilities.Delays in treatment can result in severe consequences. Rosen warns that prolonged waiting can exacerbate damage to the heart muscle.
Facing Denial About Symptoms
Sepich's initial response to her first heart attack was one of denial. Diagnosed with severe hereditary high blood pressure at 17, she ignored symptoms like chest pressure and nausea, believing they would pass.After attending Easter Mass and continuing her daily routine, she eventually sought emergency care, where she received multiple stents. In contrast, she acted more decisively during her second heart attack, leading to timely intervention.
Now, Sepich maintains her health through regular exercise and careful monitoring of her blood pressure. She encourages other women to confront the reality of heart disease, emphasizing that ignoring symptoms can have dire consequences.
“I could justify my actions from denial. I could just be like, ‘Oh, it’s not gonna hurt you,’” she reflects. “Well, it does hurt you. It can kill you.”
