baystateparent presents

Regina Canzater, Heart disease can affect your mother, friend, neighbor, sister, aunt, daughter, grandmother, nurse, cousin, basically women of all ages and colors.

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain

Visit americanheart.org for more life-saving tips. You can even calculate your risk of having a heart attack. The facts made surprise you.

Regina Canzater, age 49

Marlborough

I trained with the American Stroke Association’s “Train to End Stroke” half-marathon program after my father suffered a stroke. At 48, I transformed from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one.

Before, I couldn’t walk a mile and I crossed the finish line after 13. I brought that training to my office and home where my husband and I made small changes from taking the stairs to reducing food portions.

Erica Hedlund, I’ve also started a walking group at work. Heart disease can touch each of us, women of all ages and colors.

Erica Hedlund, age 37

Millbury

I was the picture of poor health at 80 pounds overweight. I had low self-esteem and didn’t consider my health risks: high cholesterol, diabetes, or even an early heart attack.

At 29, I made a promise to turn my life around. I am now a fitness instructor and run Worcester’s Power Boot Camp. It’s a privilege to motivate women every day. I am also a survivor of Kawasaki Disease, a childhood virus that affects the heart.

I am passionate about the American Heart Association’s message to live healthy.

Eugenie Smith, age 53

Eugenie Smith, West Boylston

Seven years ago, I thought I had pneumonia. While walking on the treadmill, I had trouble breathing. The doctor discovered a 92% blockage and now I have three stents.

My symptoms were silent. My exercise routine was vigorous, my diet was healthy, and there was no family history. Looking back, I believe stress was a large contributor.

This summer, I completed a 150-mile bike ride in two days. I continue to eat healthy and exercise. Listen to your body and don’t ignore symptoms.

Visit your doctor, ask questions, and take your heart to health.

Sharon and Sheila King, age 45

Clinton

Sharon: On November 8, 2008, I had a pain in my neck and back with severe heart burn. I ignored the pain with ibuprofen and antacids. When the pain worsened, my fiancé drove me to the hospital. My blood tests indicated a heart attack. In 24 hours, I had 6 stents put in my arteries.

Sharon and Sheila King, Sheila: My symptoms started 10 days after [my twin sister’s] as I finished my shift as an ER nurse. I ignored the sharp pain in my jaw. The next day, I had pain between my shoulder blades and nausea. Tests were inconclusive, but my sister’s cardiologist persisted. I need two stents.

We’ve changed our diets to lower our cholesterol. There is heart disease in our family, and now we realize how serious we need to take our heart health.

Mary Ellen Lambert, age 54

Worcester

In 1999, I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart failure. I was a 44-year-old mother, grandmother and wife. While working a double shift I started feeling overwhelmed but ignored it and kept working.

When I got home, I couldn’t catch my breath. My husband drove me to the ER where I was put on oxygen. I had a very high heart rate, high blood pressure and was admitted to the intensive care unit.

Mary Ellen Lambert, Thanks to doctors, I am now regulated with medication, aspirin and vitamins. I watch my symptoms and try to eat right and take walks daily.

Pat Caron, age 63

Leominster

I was vacationing in Florida when I woke up with pain in my back, shoulders and jaw. Tests showed I had four completely blocked arteries. Doctors performed quadruple bypass and I was discharged the day before my 63rd birthday.

A few months later, a trip to the hospital for “backpain” resulted in two additional stents. I’ve completed cardio rehab, have a better diet and new outlook on life.

My parents both died from heart disease and now I’m a proud grandmother who wants to live a good life for her family.

Pat Caron, We are your niece, your neighbor, your friend, your wife, your mother, your aunt, your sister, your grandmother, your daughter, your cousin, your co-worker