HOUSTON – In a national initiative to raise awareness for women’s heart health, the American Heart Association is asking everyone to Go Red for Women on Friday, Feb. 2.
According to studies, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. Yet, symptoms in women can be less understood than typical symptoms in men.
Alexandria Smith, an employee at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast, said she had a seizure at work, and thanks to her colleagues, her life was saved.
“My heart was stopping for about five to six seconds at a time,” Smith said.
The 32-year-old mother with no prior health conditions said the cause of the seizure was a mystery to her at the time. However, when she had a second seizure at work, HCA cardiologist Dr. Omar Jeroudi was able to get to the bottom of the problem.
Dr. Jeroudi found out that Smith’s heart was infrequently stopping.
The diagnosis was sick sinus syndrome, which means the sinus node in her heart is sick. The condition is commonly associated with people in their 70s or 80s.
According to Dr. Jeroudi, patients of any age should be cognizant of heart disease.
“We need to have a higher index of suspicion whenever we are suspecting any cardiovascular disease. [Women] don’t necessarily behave like the textbooks,” Dr. Jeroudi said. “So, it’s always important to listen to the complaints and listen to the body.”
Symptoms in men:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Jaw, neck, and back pain
- Squeezing chest pressure or pain
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms in women:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Jaw, neck, and upper back pain
- Pressure in the lower chest or abdomen
- Fainting
- Indigestion
- Extreme fatigue
Smith, who now has a permanent pacemaker, said she’s ready to spread the message to her peers.
“Go get your preventative stuff. Go to your doctor. Go get checked out,” she said. “That’s exactly what all my friends said when I said I’m getting a pacemaker put in. They said, ‘Wow you’re too young for that, we’re too young for that.’ And I said, ‘We’re not.’”