It’s been 17 years since I had open heart surgery. At the time I was 58 years old and had a more-than-full-time job as editor of the local newspaper. I was busy all the time, never missed a day of work, never sick. Just like many of my readers.
During that winter I’d had bronchitis and had been following the doctor’s instructions, taking medication and resting. On a Friday evening, I just was plain frustrated that I wasn’t getting better and since the doctor had evening hours, I once more made an emergency visit. I was back home in an hour or so but unable to take a really deep breath and I was so exhausted all I wanted was to sleep. Something told me that wasn’t the best idea. When my son said he was going to call the rescue, I protested. He ignored me. I swear I don’t even remember the ambulance ride to the hospital – years later, I was told there was a police escort! It was that serious.
No pain of any kind, just extreme fatigue that got worse. Combined with the inability of taking a really deep breath, that could describe the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms of heart disease for women can be very different than for men.
I had never had high blood pressure, wasn’t overweight and got plenty of exercise. I had absolutely no pain and not once had any of my routine physical exams triggered a visit to a heart specialist. This whole event was a big surprise to everyone.
But this is how it happens to women – sometimes. It’s really up to us to take care of ourselves and be aware of changes in how you’re feeling.
I was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 18 and came home around Feb. 4 with a new mitral valve ticking away, keeping me alive.
Never once during the whole process, from symptoms through surgery, did I ever feel any pain – especially not the “elephant sitting on your chest” often used to describe a common symptom of heart attacks.
My advice to women is to read all you can from the American Heart Association and attend some of the numerous seminars or workshops about heart health. But first, talk to your doctor.
There are other symptoms, but if you think the fatigue you experience is out of the ordinary, no matter how old you are, ask your doctor about it. You absolutely cannot be too careful.
If you’re the type who always gets her mammogram on time, who frets and worries about her health and always gets a check-up, remember that heart disease kills more women than any other disease. Pay attention to that.
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