Not Done Yet: Women’s Heart Health Mission

A ride in an ambulance, and back in time… A few months ago I had a health scare.  At a meeting of professional speakers in Chicago, my heart rate suddenly skyrocketed and I couldn’t get it under control.  As a heart attack survivor with a surgically repaired heart, I know an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart…

Can Eyelids Predict Heart Attacks?

Those yellow spots on your eyelids might mean a higher risk of heart disease! Many people visit a dermatologist to remove raised yellow spots from around their eyes, but a new study indicates they should be visiting a cardiologist too! These patches are filled with cholesterol and are called xanthelasmata.  Having deposits of cholesterol near…

Finding a Comfortable Bra After Chest Surgery

“I had open-heart surgery and now can’t find a comfortable bra that will provide sufficient support to my chest to relieve the pain in my sternum. Any suggestions?” Finding a bra to fit comfortably after surgery can be a real challenge – even years later.  Scar tissue is sensitive.  Muscles cut during surgery don’t support…

Seriously, Just Get the Flu Shot!

Did you get your flu shot yet? I know – no one likes a shot. Yet, a little poke in the arm is a small price to pay to avoid a potentially fatal infection. Many people are confused about the flu and the importance of getting a flu shot. The flu, or influenza, isn’t what…

Decade of Gratitude Post #2: My Doctors and Nurses

My heart attack happened so suddenly, if I hadn’t been in the hospital on bed rest – help wouldn’t have reached me in time.  Not only was I in a hospital, but a great hospital with a fantastic staff who sprang into action to save my life.  I owe my life to the wonderful people…

Heart Burn or Heart Attack: How can you tell the difference?

Is that sharp, burning sensation in your chest caused by the pizza you just ate or a sign of something more serious? How can you tell the difference? Women’s heart attack symptoms can be difficult to diagnose. My heart attack absolutely started out feeling like heart burn. I’ve experienced both severe heartburn and a heart…

Managing Beta Blocker Side Effects: The Patient’s Perspective

Medications referred to as beta blockers are commonly prescribed to control blood pressure, heart failure, and some types of arrhythmias. While considered the most benign of the cardiac drugs, many people experience irritating and sometimes intolerable side effects. Beta blockers block the flow of adrenaline and cause your heart to beat slower and with less…

Beta Blockers and Depression: The Patient’s Perspective

How do you know the difference between the side effects of your Beta Blocker medication and depression? Beta blockers—used to treat high blood pressure—limit the flow of adrenaline in your body which can make you feel sluggish, fatigued, and muted. This is common and tolerable for most patients. However, the medication can also bring on…

Drug Induced Lupus: The Patient’s Perspective

Hunting down the cause of my flu-like symptoms, joint, and chest pain led me to an unusual discovery. I had drug induced lupus! It was five years after my heart attack and I had been feeling run down and fluish every day for months. My muscles ached and my joints were so sore I couldn’t…