Listen to Your Heart
Listen to your heart. Heart disease is the number one killer in the world. I was 37 years old, a wife, mom of two beautiful girls, loving my job, training for a marathon and enjoying life. I was training for my third marathon, and after a long run I did not have my usual runner high. I was extremely tired and did not feel well. I barely finished the marathon. A few months later in the spring, we took a trip to Hawaii. Returning from the trip, I was so exhausted I had to crawl up the stairs. At the time I thought jet lag, mom duties, work, etc. were the reason for my exhaustion. Slowly getting some energy back I thought I was fine. Extreme exhaustion was my first ignored sign of heart disease. My second symptom was a very short chest pain. I was with my mom who was a heart patient. My mom insisted I go to the hospital. I went to the hospital and I had elevated troponin heart enzymes. My journey began.
HEART DISEASE SYMPTOMS
Heart attack symptoms can differ for men and women but the most common symptom for both is chest pain.
Heart Symtoms in Women
Chest pain, but not always
Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
Jaw, neck or upper pain
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Fainting
Indigestion
Extreme fatigue
Sweating
Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen
Heart Symtoms in Men
Squeezing chest pressure or pain
Jaw, neck or back pain
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
What do I do if I’m having a heart attack?
Dial 911 immediately and get to the hospital right away
Do not drive yourself to the hospital
Try to stay calm
Take deep breaths while waiting for emergency responders
Be Heart Healthy and Be Well.