Chantrise Holliman, then 45, recalled waking up feeling queasy with chest discomfort six years ago. She initially attributed it to the cheesesteak she had for dinner the night before. As she attempted to grab a ginger ale from the kitchen, she suddenly started vomiting and had to rush to the bathroom. Her husband noticed her distress and asked if she was okay. She initially insisted she was fine, but eventually agreed to seek medical help. At the hospital, her heart stopped nine times and she slipped into a coma for a week. She later learned she had suffered a widowmaker heart attack, a life-threatening condition caused by a complete blockage of the left anterior descending artery. The symptoms of a heart attack in women can be subtle and include chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and discomfort in the jaw, shoulder, or back.
Dr. Tara Narula emphasized the importance of recognizing these symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention, as heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Holliman, who considered herself healthy before the heart attack, faced a challenging recovery, including the amputation of several body parts due to complications from infection. She struggled with her faith but found strength in the support of her daughter and a scripture that gave her hope for the future.
