This post is sponsored by HCA Health Midwest.
If you’re going to have a heart attack, do it in front of a group of nursing students.
This really happened.
I have been a nurse and an educator for more than 35 years. So, you can say I know the
symptoms and what to look for when having a heart attack. It was the first day of classes for this group of nursing students. I was starting a lecture that I have given hundreds of times. I had just put up a slide talking to my nursing students about what happens if you get a blood clot in a coronary artery.
Then, I just started feeling bad. Really bad. I had severe chest pain. I thought it was indigestion, so I stepped outside the classroom for a moment.
One of my students came out to check on me, identified the situation and called 911. This is when time is not on your side. I knew from my teaching that I needed help, and I needed it fast. I was transported to Centerpoint Medical Center – a part of HCA Midwest Health. Once I got to the emergency room, it was discovered that I had a myocardial infarction, otherwise known as a heart attack. The blood flow to a significant portion of my heart had completely stopped, causing the cells to begin dying. I was surrounded by former nursing students who I taught this exact lesson to, only this was not a lesson but a real-life scenario.
I had a procedure called a STEMI, which is a catheter-based procedure where a tiny balloon is expanded to open narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart and improve blood flow. After I had the procedure, I went up to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where another one for my former nursing students was my nurse.
After a hospital stay, I completed 36 sessions of cardiac rehabilitation to help strengthen my heart. I was able to return to my teaching nursing position, and I also increased my exercise program and I’m following a low-fat diet, including heart healthy meals.
I want to share my story during Heart Month to inform other women of the signs and
symptoms of a heart attack in women.
One thing that is consistent is, there is nothing consistent about women’s heart conditions. The symptoms can vary as much as excessive heart burn to pressure on your chest. A heart attack in a woman doesn’t really follow the typical heart attack signs in men. I have said for a long time; it can be anything between your nose and your navel. I’ve known women to present with pain in their wrist or say their bra suddenly felt too tight. You want to notice anything that you can’t trace back. An example of that is, “What did I eat, do my symptoms make sense?” If they don’t, call 911 or go immediately to the hospital.
Just think, if you were to need to go to the ER right now, what and how many things are you going to do before you get in the car or call 911? Also, you know your body, when you feel something is wrong, listen to it. Here’s when you call 911 or go to the ER, when your body says so. You are never wasting their time or being a bother. You are taking care of yourself.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have their heart attack in front of nursing students.
Barbara Voshall, RN, has taught generations of nurses as an instructor at Graceland University College of Nursing.
Your heart deserves the best care. HCA Midwest Health offers an extensive cardiovascular network, the right specialist is always within reach. From prevention to treatment, we’re here for every heartbeat. Take the first step toward a healthier heart today! Take a FREE heart risk assessment now.
