On the first day, there were mild cramps between my shoulder blades while I was on the treadmill.

On the second day, the cramps were more noticeable.

On the third day, during a routine office visit, I mentioned the cramps to my doctor. While we were talking, she reached for a phone and dialed a cardiologist and booked a cardiac catherization for me. I was surprised.  Why? What do I need that for? She was calm and reassuring saying she just wanted to make sure “there’s nothing going on” that could be serious.

That was almost 20 years ago.

The catherization was followed in a few days by open heart surgery for a triple bypass. My doctor, who was about nine months pregnant at the time, came to see me on a cold blustery Michigan morning to wish me well before the surgery. She came back a couple of days later looking much happier than she had earlier.  It took me a while to realize that by actually listening to me, she saved my life. I am forever grateful.

Women, in general, are not aware that heart disease is the No. 1 killer for both men and women; strokes are No. 3 for women.  The symptoms for women are not exactly the same as for men.  If we get a pain in our chest, we are more likely to chalk it up to indigestion.  Often the symptoms for gall bladder problems mimic those for heart disease.  However, I have a lengthy scar to show where my gall bladder was removed, long before the days of two little holes and maybe a day in the hospital.

Women tend not to take some aches and pains seriously—it’s not an easy thing to think that a pain in your shoulder, arm or jaw could be a warning sign.

The most common warning signs for a heart attack are chest pressure, tightness, or heaviness; pain in shoulders, neck, jaw or arms; lightheadedness; fainting; paleness. If these signs continue for even a short time, call 911, and get to a hospital.  Do not drive yourself! (That seems so obvious but the number of people who decide to drive themselves is alarming.)

Pain related to a heart attack can range from dull to strong, or mild to severe. Many women feel accompanying nervousness and anxiety that frequently go ignored. People who commonly have heart attacks without symptoms include women, elderly people and diabetic patients.

I can be counted among those who knew very little about heart problems for women.  It took a caring doctor and excellent surgeons to take care of the blockages.  At the time, I thought it was something like going to the dentist, getting a problem fixed and that was all.  I was very wrong. Heart disease is a lifelong problem that needs attention regularly.  Life can still be fulfilling with that extra care.  If knowledge is power, then learn as much as you can about your heart and what keeps it ticking.

February is Heart Month. Take care of your heart, and encourage those you love to do the same.

E-mail Ann Robson at info@outreachnc.com