Not Done Yet: Women’s Heart Health Mission

A ride in an ambulance, and back in time… A few months ago I had a health scare.  At a meeting of professional speakers in Chicago, my heart rate suddenly skyrocketed and I couldn’t get it under control.  As a heart attack survivor with a surgically repaired heart, I know an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, could develop over time, but the fast thumping in my chest was scary. The dizziness and discomfort became so intense, we called 911. (To be honest, I tried very hard to avoid the excitement of calling the ambulance, but I was worried I would pass out in my friend’s car on the way to the hospital.) I have nothing but praise for the treatment I received in the ambulance and in the ER.  Everyone took my issue seriously and I was given all of the proper tests.  The doctors determined I needed to stay in the hospital for observation and have some tests the next morning. For more than a decade, I’ve worked to raise awareness around women and heart disease.  With efforts such as the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program, standards of care and gender disparity issues in treatment have improved.  All of that was demonstrated in my initial interactions. Once I was admitted, however, I traveled back in time. “You are too young to be here.” If I heard that statement just once, it wouldn’t have been a big deal.  But over and over during my time in the hospital, nurses, aides, food service staff and others told me I was too young to be...
Source: Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Award Winning Blog Heart Health American Heart Association Go Red Luncheon Patient's Perspective Women and Heart Disease Women and Heart Disease Advocacy women's wellness Source Type: blogs