Stories from the Heart, WomenHeart's collection of first-person essays, features powerful stories written by women heart patients and their family members about their experiences with heart disease. Below are a few of the stories from the book (available in our online store):

	Debra – "I was aware of the history of heart disease in my family and regularly practiced a lifestyle to prevent any type of cardiac episode. I exercised, never smoked or drank alcohol, ate my fruits and vegetables, and maintained a cholesterol level below 150. However, none of my efforts were enough to prevent my having two heart attacks. Now that I'm involved with WomenHeart, I don't feel so alone. I found heart sisters who understand what it's like to survive a heart attack. WomenHeart empowered me to speak out about the risk factors of heart disease in women. My mission is to help save the lives of other women."
	Erin – "I was working as an executive at a large telecommunications firm with three children, ages four, six, and nine. No one, least of all me, was ever really concerned about my heart health because I was a young, thin female, who did not smoke. I was 39 at the time and didn't have any other risk factors. My mom was healthy and 70 years old—so everyone assumed that I would also live a long and healthy life. One day I was attending a water aerobics class when I started coughing and couldn't stop. I still felt healthy otherwise, but I decided to see my doctor that day. I went to the local emergency room and was told that I was having a flash pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. When I found WomenHeart, I was so relieved that the organization existed and incredibly grateful to meet and talk with other women heart disease survivors. After my emergency bypass, I had felt so isolated prior to discovering WomenHeart. WomenHeart provided me with the support and understanding I was so in need of to help me to heal emotionally."
	Eileen – "At 10am I felt an explosion in the right side of my neck. I'd done a 24-hour shift at the firehouse the night before and was eating a BLT for breakfast with real bacon. I was exhausted, I felt tired, very weak, anxious and irritable. Finally at 9:30pm that night, I decided to lie down and then my left arm went numb. Being a paramedic, I knew there was an issue. So I took a shower, got my will out for my son, called my family to come take care of him and then I called 911. I was taken to the hospital and treated for a heart attack and a GI bleed because they didn't know exactly what was wrong. I ended up having a stent inserted in my right coronary artery which was 98% blocked. I quit smoking that day. The doctors told me if I smoked again it would kill me, and I believed them. Now that I'm involved with WomenHeart, I've found over 300 heart sisters who understand my needs. We support and understand each other in a way no one else does."

Early Detection

For many women, the warning signs come too late. For others, the first sign of heart disease is a trip to the emergency room, wrought with anxiety and uncertainty.

"I only found out that I had heart disease when I collapsed at work with pain in my chest, belly and arms. I was taken to the local CCU where they later told me that I had suffered a massive heart attack. I ended up having a double bypass and a stent inserted. Prior to this, I was always a fit and healthy, if slightly plump, 26 year-old. I was shocked that this could happen totally out of the blue. I had no pain, tiredness or marked shortness of breath before the pain started in my chest. It was all very frightening." - "Shocked"

"I am 61 years old and had triple bypass surgery. As an active, slender, seemingly healthy, strong person, I joked that apparently my family's heart problems had skipped over me. I now realize that I lived in denial and ignorance about the reality of heart disease for many years. I was careless about taking my blood pressure and cholesterol medications. I ate whatever I wanted because I didn't gain weight. I exercised less and less. If only I had known what incredible damage I was doing to myself." - Laura

"I am 48 years old with a strong family history of heart disease. Recently, I was helping my husband clean up the driveway after a snowstorm. All of a sudden, I started to feel nauseous, light-headed, sweaty, and like I was about to faint. I lay down on the steps, until I started to feel better. I have to admit it scared me but I wasn't sure if I should go to the hospital. I've heard stories about women who go to the ER and are told it's nothing so I didn't go. I guess I didn't want to be embarrassed, just in case it was nothing." - Mjay

"For the past two weeks, I have been telling my hubby of 25 years that it often feels like someone is stabbing me in the chest. Sometimes the pain is so bad that I can barely lift my arm above my head. How can I make him understand this pain? He wouldn't believe it was real until my doctor set him straight. He told me he doesn't want me to die before him and that my angina attacks really scared him. He promised to try to come out of denial. I have had this pain for almost 10 years and he is just now coming out of denial!" - Heidi

"I am 25 and thought I was fine until my yearly checkup with my gynecologist. I scared all the nurses with my blood pressure, which got as high as 220/116. I knew I felt bad, but thought I was just fat and lazy. For about nine months, I had bad headaches and felt like sleeping all the time. I never thought about my heart. I think my doctor thinks I am just crazy because the tests have shown nothing structurally wrong with my heart, but I am still scared." - Katie

"My grandmother passed away two weeks ago. She was a "healthy" young 78-year-old who was rarely sick a day in her life. Just before she died, she was rushed to the ER for emergency quadruple bypass surgery but never regained consciousness. No one had any clue that she had heart disease. Her only complaint in the weeks before she died was severe stomach aches, not chest pain. I have since found out that women don't always have chest pains and can get "atypical symptoms," one of which is stomach pain. I just wish I knew that before." - Mitzie

"I am a nurse who works in a hospital. One day I had chest discomfort that wouldn't go away. I went to another department to have an EKG, but it turned out normal. As time passed, I felt numbness in my arms and broke out in a cold sweat. (I have multiple sclerosis, and just shrugged these symptoms off as side effects.) As these symptoms got worse all my co-workers wanted to take me to the ER but I adamantly refused since I was a 48-year-old nurse with a normal EKG and knew how crowded the ER gets. My husband came to take me home but by the time we got there, he had already called 911. I had a massive heart attack in the ambulance on the way to the ER, which was only five minutes away. Since then, I've gone through cardiac rehab, got on proper meds, lost weight, and stopped smoking. I've cut my work schedule down to four days a week to reduce stress. Instead of denial, I jump at the slightest symptom. I'm much more aware of heart disease now!" - DeeDee

"I have been experiencing chest pain on and off for the past year, often accompanied by pain in my upper right back, nausea and lightheadedness. My two primary care doctors keep telling me I am not a heart attack candidate, but neither can explain my chest pain. One of them said if I was having a heart attack it would feel like a rope tied around my chest was continually tightening and that I would have shortness of breath. Both my parents have severe heart disease. No one seems to be listening to me."- Fran, age 37

Accurate Diagnosis

When warning signs are present, the possibility of a diagnosis of heart disease may never be remotely considered.

"I am 53 and had my first heart attack at 47. Three and a half years later, I began having lots of angina, but was told over and over again that it was "reflux." Three days later I had another heart attack. How do we get the doctors to believe us when we say we are sick? How many of us have been put on tranquilizers, antidepressants, sent to therapy, had upper GI series, or told we were hysterical? I have already made my sister promise that the following words will be chiseled into my headstone: I TOLD YOU IT WASN'T REFLUX!" - Georgie

"I am now 50 years old and in the past 18 months have been in the hospital 16 times with heart problems. I have had a heart attack, several smaller attacks, open-heart surgery, eight heart caths, and several stents. When I had my first heart attack, I waited two hours in the ER while people with feet problems went ahead of me. The reason for that is the triage nurse was sure that I was not having a heart attack but that it was only esophagus problems. Had I been a 75-year-old male with chest pains, I would have gotten immediate attention. This is a real problem. Is there a group of women like me who have been through this and been discriminated against because of their gender? I am looking for a support group and also want to be a voice crying in the "gender-biased wilderness" to change the perception that heart disease is for men only." - Brenda

"When I first went to my new doctor, I thought I had a virus. I was breathless after short walks, had chest pains, was tired and dizzy all the time, and my heart was racing. Thankfully, he sent me in for a stress echo test and I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. I am so grateful to this doctor. Earlier in the year when I complained of these symptoms, my former doctor diagnosed me with chronic bronchitis, put me on antibiotics and told me to go home and get some rest. I just wanted to tell anyone reading this if you feel unusual symptoms, go to a doctor and get properly tested. I am only 31 years old and heart disease was the last thing on my mind." - Monica

"I went to my doctor with chest pains and swelling in my legs. She didn't listen to my heart and just told me it was stress-related. When I finally went to the ER, I'd had a heart attack. They gave me TPA that only caused bleeding in my pericardium. My ejection fraction was down to 15%. I went into cardiac arrest three times but, incredibly, I pulled through." - Tessa

"Five days after my C-section, I woke up at night with chest pain, coughing, and problems breathing. It got so bad that I couldn't even hold my new born to my chest to breastfeed. I went to the ER and was continually dismissed as having "baby blues." After much persistence, a male nurse checked my blood pressure and pulse. I was put on oxygen immediately and a doctor was called. An EKG and X-ray later, I was told I had postpartum cardiomyopathy, and a 90% chance of dying within the next few days, and that most women with my condition don't live for more than six months. Well, a year later I'm still here and almost back to normal. My two main regrets are having to stop breastfeeding and losing the decision to have more children. But something good came out of this too - I was forced to slow down. Work is no longer important, my family is. I play with my children first now, the dishes can wait." - Naomi

"I had a severe angina attack and had to call 911. When I got to the hospital, the doctors were awful. One doctor told me I was having an anxiety attack and I should go for therapy. Much later, a second doctor diagnosed my angina and admitted me. The woman in the bed next to me had high blood pressure, was getting bad headaches and fainted. She was also told she had anxiety. I guess anxiety is the new illness." - Debbie

"I am a 38 year old nurse who has had periodic palpitations, dizziness, a near black-out, and three abnormal EKGs. The first doctor diagnosed sinus tachycardia, told me I wasn't going to die, handed me some Tenormin samples and a prescription, and sent me home with no follow-up visit scheduled. Another doctor just told me to lose weight, cut down on drinking coffee and reduce the stress in my life. I am scared that, because I am so young, my symptoms and risk for heart attack are not being taken seriously." - Kim

"I called 911 when I had severe heartburn and back pain, sweating and short of breath. The ER doc discharged me, but said to stop and buy a bottle of Mylanta on my way home. Twelve hours later my mother found me on the floor, nearly unconscious and having a full-blown heart attack. It's amazing I'm still alive." - Susan

"On my first visit to a cardiologist, he came into the exam room and asked me why I was there. I told him that a prior EKG showed a possible heart attack and that my younger sister had died of a heart attack at 42. He replied, "Well, we all have to die of something, don't we?" Needless to say, he's my former cardiologist." - Helen

"I had a quadruple bypass a year ago. Four months later I was in pain so I returned to the ER, where I was treated as a hysterical woman, told I had gastric reflux and discharged. Two weeks later I again returned to the ER where it was found that three of my four grafts had failed and, at some point, that I had had another heart attack. When I think of how arrogantly the surgeon treated me and the poor level of care I received, I am angry and despondent" - Madeline

"A young woman in my town had been complaining to her doctor of chest pains, but he told her repeatedly, over many months, she had acid reflux. Last month, after another doctor visit, this woman went home, had a massive heart attack and went into a coma. Last week life support was pulled off and she died at age 42. We women are being misdiagnosed to death." - Martha

Proper Treatment

Because of a general lack of recognition by both women and healthcare providers of the impact of heart disease on women, the road to proper care and treatment is not always easy.

"I had a heart attack two years ago and at times am still in shock. I had a coronary artery spasm and all the classic MI signs and symptoms. But I was in complete denial and waited three days to go to the ER, and almost died. I have had to change doctors because my first one didn't listen or understand my fears, but now I have a wonderful and compassionate doctor who listens to me and works hard to get my medication doses right. I'm doing well." - Sandy, age 47

"My three blocked arteries weren't discovered until my heart failed during surgery for carpal tunnel. I now have an excellent cardiology team, but every two weeks when I see them they give me a different medication. Last week I was walking (or stumbling) around with a pulse of 44 because one of my meds was doubled to ease the angina. They're guessing at combinations... and my health." - Martha

"I had my first heart attack at 24 and was told it was more than likely a fluke, but that I should be careful. Being 24 and in denial, I carried on my merry way smoking, working too much, eating a crappy diet, drinking tons of coffee, etc. Three weeks ago (I'm now 42), I had another heart attack. Two heart attacks and I haven't been through any tests yet! They will start in a few weeks, but meanwhile I sit here and feel every little ache and pain. I'm sad all the time and worry I'm going to have another heart attack." - "Afraid"

Hope and Survival

Once women are diagnosed, shock and bewilderment often set in. But there’s hope, and with each story, an element of triumph.

"I had two heart attacks over a two-day period when I was 24 years old. My family expected me to immediately get back to a normal life, so I did. I dove right into my life again, eyes shut tight and I haven't looked back. My life was normal except I was depressed. I didn't like my job and was afraid to exercise. Plus, I always felt that another heart attack was there, lurking. Before I found WomenHeart, I didn't have any support or even knew where to look for some. I'm so glad I found this community." - Samantha

"After 14 angioplasties, five stents and two quadruple bypass surgeries, I have gone through the frustrations, depressions and fears of serious heart problems. I even go through periods of denial, but I also meditate, do Tai Chi, and generally have a positive view of life. I am aware that there have been many changes and new directions in my life but I am very happy for each moment, laugh and hug that comes into my life. I am actively involved in living even though how I live has changed." - Charlotte

"I can't believe I finally found a place [in WomenHeart] where there are other women that have experienced many of the physical and psychological experiences I have! I actually wept with a sad joy knowing that I was not alone and that I am not a hypochondriac or crazy. It confirmed the fact that I am my own health advocate and should trust my instincts about my physical and mental health. It's encouraging to know there are others who have overcome many of the same obstacles presented to me and been able to improve their quality of life." - Dory

"I do a number of different types of exercise: walking, swimming, using a rowing machine and lifting weights. Every once in a while I need something new to keep me motivated. About a year ago, a friend suggested trying the large exercise ball along with a video (there are many on the market) so I bought a ball and a Kathy Smith video. I found that the ball not only is a good alternative to other types of exercise, but it helps strengthen the back and abdominal muscles. Recently I bought another video that is a combination of yoga and pilates on the ball -- it's like meditation on a roll! Good for us bypass survivors." - Martha

"I am now 56 years old. At 53, I had a stroke and an angioplasty followed by a quadruple bypass. Since the surgery, I have worked hard at restoring my health: following my doctor's orders, eating nutritional foods, taking supplements and exercising. Despite my efforts, I have not made much progress. I am depressed about my state of affairs and panicked about my future." - Karin

"I've been a member of WomenHeart since my surgery 18 months ago. I received my copy of Stories from the Heart yesterday and read it in one sitting today. Thank you all for sharing your stories. I feel better emotionally than I have in the past 18 months. Reading how everyone coped and is still coping, gave me hope. Maria's story and her third paragraph (now highlighted for my husband) said it all, so simply and eloquently. This book should be a must read for all family/ friends of heart patients, and heart patients themselves. Maybe the loneliness and fear could be recognized, and perhaps understood a little better. Thank you from the bottom of my damaged heart." - Dana

"I'm 31 years old and had a heart attack last year. I have a lot of heart muscle damage as a result, partially because I waited so long to go to the hospital and partially because once I got there, it took the ER staff over two hours to realize what was going on. I feel so lost and confused about the whole experience. I am a mother of five children and am not ready to die. So many people say to me, "Everything happens for a reason." I'm just dying to know what my reason is." - Angela

"After three years of intense pain, I finally had a cardiac catheterization that showed four blockages, an open sore, and an aneurysm all on top of my heart! (No test I had before then had showed any heart condition.) I had a 1% chance of survival after surgery, but I came through and I'm doing great. The depression following the surgery is terrible, but it does go away and all the pain is worth every day I have afterwards. I call my scar my "life line" to a new and wonderful life." - Carolyn

"During my most recent trip to the doctor, one of the nurses escorted me to an exam room and forgot all about me. I sat in the exam room waiting on the doctor for an hour and 25 minutes, and he never came. Finally, I picked up my purse and walked all the way out to the receptionist area and demanded to know how much longer I was going to have to wait for the doctor. All they said was "Do you want to reschedule?" Again I demanded to know how much longer I'd have to wait and they said, "Uh...he's with another patient and we can't rush the doctor." I grabbed my purse and walked out!" - Peggy

"I had a heart attack with accompanying emergency angioplasty and stent last year but was totally unprepared for the incapacitating depression and anxiety that hit a couple of weeks later. My cardio rehab program was great but provided no emotional support. I don't believe that I am about to have another heart attack or dying, and I am making necessary life style changes, but I don't know how to deal with these overwhelming feelings. I really need a support group - or at least a few women - to talk to." - Mary

"I was told that I was having a heart attack and that the EKG showed I'd had a previous heart attack. Everyday I am scared that I won't see my daughter's face and she won't see mine. I could not believe so many women had heart attacks. I felt like I was the only one and I was being punished by God." - Latesha

"I am presently 38 years old. Three years ago I had a heart attack. None of the pain was very intense, the strangest feeling was that I felt like I was moving in slow motion all night. It just seems that there isn't anyone out there that takes your condition seriously and understands that you want to keep it from happening again and you want to be healthier than ever before." - Sally

"I am 49 years old and disabled in a wheelchair with hypertensive hypertropic cardiomyopathy. I had to quit my job as a nurse and try to survive on Social Security Disability payments and no health insurance. I will qualify for Medicare in July and hope to live long enough to enjoy the benefits." - Sharon

"After several heart surgeries, the feeling I had of being "almost invincible" will not be an adjective to describe who I am anymore. The lingering worry about my future health status continues to loom over me and in me (it never leaves me). But for some reason the concern of my own mortality doesn't seem to make me "crazy". I just know I am still here for a purpose and will do what I can to make the journey worthwhile. I have also discovered what I do not want to spend my time doing, which feels great. I am still learning not to take life for granted." - Kathy, age 42

"My heart attack [two years ago] actually saved my life in the proverbial sense. I am much happier, doing things I like and living my life the way I want. I feel less stressed and am enjoying things in a renewed way. Everything happens for a reason. I also got to meet the wonderful women of WomenHeart - it feels like a big family!" - Cindy, age 32

"After my heart attack and bypass surgery, my cardiologist told me I would undoubtedly have another heart attack. When I asked what my symptoms would be, he replied, `Probably none... you'll probably just go in your sleep.' Hmmm... maybe that's why I've had insomnia ever since the surgery. I haven't been back to him or any other cardiologist since." - Pat

"I had my first heart attack 13 years ago while undergoing angioplasty, followed by an aneurysm. My cardiologist insisted I attend a PACE (prescribed active cardiac exercise) program three times a week. So for 13 years, that's just what I've done. I've found a wonderful support group and enjoyment from working out with other heart patients. I owe my recovery to this discipline of frequent exercise and heart healthy food." - Mary, age 80

"When I had a full-blown heart attack last year, I scared my family and friends because I couldn't explain what had happened to me. It has been a very isolating experience. Since I now appear outwardly the same, everyone believes it will never happen again. I hope that is true, and I'm going on with my life, but there is always an underlying level of anxiety in the back of my mind. It comes to the surface at various times, mostly when I have time to relax and think." - Mo, age 39

"We have to fight for our health and not give up. I tried suicide three years ago, but I decided to fight back. I still have highs and lows but no longer dwell on what caused my heart disease, since that's not productive. I just keep fighting." - Debbie

"After a heart attack, quadruple bypass surgery, a stent that failed, a staph infection in my incision, 123 days of antibiotics, six hospital stays, and seven months of not getting any better, it was very hard to not get discouraged. It wasn't until I was blessed with a preventative cardiologist, who wanted to partner with me, that we learned to manage my cardiovascular disease that was due to familial hyperlipidemia. Only then did life begin to steadily get brighter again." - Claire

"When my elderly aunt was discussing her possible valve replacement with her doctor and mentioned a specific type of valve, her doctor became angry and said he wouldn't talk about it with anyone who didn't have an MD after his/her name. He then told her she was too old for the procedure and would probably die on the table. During a follow-up visit, she began asking this same doctor a list of questions I had given her when he abruptly stood up and walked out of the room." - Gail

"My experience has been one big nightmare. I really don't know whom to trust or what to believe anymore, and I'm very scared. All I want are answers to my cardiac questions without being told I have anxiety. My latest test results came back normal, but I can't get past the "wonderful news" because of all the other conflicting test results and reports I've received. Most important, I still have shortness of breath, a tight feeling in my chest and always feel tired. No one takes me seriously." - Anita

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