When I didn’t improve by the next day, they put another stent in a different artery. Finally, after 4 DAYS in the hospital, I was released. I went home thankful, so thankful to be alive. I followed the doctor’s orders. That meant cardiac rehab three times a week, eating heart-healthy meals, and taking my meds faithfully. The hardest order was to eliminate stress from my life. WAIT! WHAT? Oh, that was going to be hard. Remember how I liked that “GOOD” stress? I had to stop taking on too much, doing too many things without enough time. The old me always said yes to everything. I had to learn to say “NO.” We’ve all heard the old cliché, “Life is short, so make the most of it.” Because I had a brush with death, I can relate to this. My heart is not the same as it was before because it has some damage. My doctors have done everything to make me and my heart as good as I
Get a heart baseline from your regular doctor. Ask to test these things: • Blood pressure
can be, but it’s up to me to take good care of it. And if that means saying “NO” to something I desperately want to do, then so be it. BECAUSE “Life is short.” Why am I so diligent? Because I want you to know what I didn’t know. I share my experience, so you know these four things: • Those inconvenient aches & pains might be a sign. • Taking on too much may cause stress on your heart. Here’s a checklist of symptoms and signs of a heart attack in women: • Discomfort in your neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdomen • Shortness of breath • Pain in one or both arms • Nausea or vomiting • Cold sweats • Lightheadedness or dizziness • Unusual fatigue • It’s okay to say “NO.” • Listen to your body.
• Weight/BMI • Cholesterol • Blood sugar
If any are out of range, they can treat or refer you to a cardiologist. Be proactive, here’s what you can do now: • Quit smoking • Exercise regularly • Eat healthy • Ask your doctor for a heart baseline • Know your family history Learning about heart disease is a good thing. Here’s to healthy, happy hearts! ◆ Susan Smith is a published author of My Heart Attack Saved My Life... But for What? She’s a writer, speaker, and Mayo Clinic-trained WomenHeart Champion. Find more at susansmithheart.com
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January & February 2026, Never Too Late | Page 5
Pima Council on Aging
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