You need to listen to your body!
Actress Susan Lucci opens up about her recent heart surgery
Read more in the comments
Susan Lucci recently talked about her personal experience with heart disease.
In an interview with Good Morning America, she revealed that she needed a second emergency surgery.
This surgery took place three years after her first heart problem.
Lucci shared how she started feeling short of breath and a sharp pain in her jaw, which reminded her of symptoms she experienced before. Concerned about her health, she followed her doctor’s advice and got medical help right away.
During her check-up, doctors found an 80% blockage in one of her arteries. To clear the blockage, Lucci needed a second stent. Her doctor, Dr. Richard Shlofmitz, from St. Francis Hospital, explained that she wasn’t having a heart attack, but her symptoms were serious enough to need surgery.
It’s great that Lucci recognized her symptoms and acted quickly. Heart disease can be harder to diagnose in women because their signs can be milder or less obvious. If Lucci had delayed seeking care, she might have faced a serious heart emergency.
Heart disease is still the top cause of death for women in the US, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms. Diagnosing heart conditions can be tough since they don’t always show the typical chest pain signs.
Dr. Charles Chambers, from Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute, advises everyone to be cautious and seek medical advice if they are unsure. This is especially true for people aged 60 and older, as well as those who are diabetic, overweight, or have high blood pressure or cholesterol.
Here are some important symptoms to watch for:
Chest Pain: Feeling pressure, tightness, or pain in your chest can be a sign of a heart attack or blocked artery. This can happen while resting or being active and usually lasts for more than a few minutes.
Heartburn, Nausea, Indigestion, or Stomach Pain: These can be signs of a heart attack. Women may report these symptoms more often than men. If you have these symptoms along with others on this list and are at risk for heart issues, see a doctor.
Jaw or Throat Pain: Although throat or jaw pain may not be caused by a heart problem, if you feel pressure or discomfort in the middle of your chest that moves to your jaw or throat, it could be a heart attack.
By being aware of the symptoms and acting quickly, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from the risks of heart disease. Let Susan Lucci’s story remind us to prioritize our heart health and seek help when needed.