Brave Women Share Stories of Cardiac Emergencies on National Wear Red Day
On this year’s National Wear Red Day, a group of brave women came forward to share their personal stories of cardiac emergencies in an effort to raise awareness about heart health. These women, whose lives were forever changed by the events they experienced, hope to educate others about the importance of recognizing the signs of a heart attack and taking immediate action.
One such woman is Mary Caniglia, mother of First Alert meteorologist Rich Caniglia. She vividly recalls the terrifying moment when she suffered a heart attack on an airplane back in 2005. Caniglia remembers feeling nauseous and sweaty before suddenly collapsing and being consumed by intense chest pain. Fortunately, the flight attendant acted quickly, calling for a medical professional and prompting the pilot to make an emergency landing in Omaha, Nebraska.
Thanks to the emergency landing, Caniglia was able to receive the life-saving care she needed. Following the incident, she underwent quadruple bypass surgery, which undoubtedly saved her life. Reflecting on the experience, Caniglia believes that the decision to divert the plane played a crucial role in her survival.
Another woman with a similar harrowing tale is Toni Comstock from Farmington. At just 39 years old, Comstock experienced sudden cardiac arrest while at work. Fortunately, a nurse was nearby and performed CPR, ultimately saving her life. Today, Comstock lives with an internal defibrillator, a constant reminder of the importance of being vigilant about cardiac health.
What makes these stories particularly alarming is that both Caniglia and Comstock had no prior health issues. Despite undergoing numerous tests, no warning signs were found. However, doctors attribute Caniglia’s increased risk to a family history of heart disease as well as her past smoking habit, which she has since quit.
According to cardiologists, it is crucial for individuals to know their family history, visit a cardiologist regularly, quit smoking, and adopt a healthy lifestyle to minimize the risk of heart disease. It is also important to note that men and women may present symptoms differently during cardiac emergencies. While most people are familiar with the classic symptom of intense chest pain, women may experience other warning signs such as chest heaviness, shortness of breath, or nausea.
In light of these stories, it is advised for anyone concerned about their cardiac health to speak with their primary care doctor. By being proactive and educated about heart health, individuals can take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the devastating consequences of cardiac emergencies. Let these courageous women’s stories serve as a reminder to prioritize heart health and make it a priority in our lives.
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