22/11/2024
❤️GET YOUR HEART CHECKED LADIES!
Almost every hour of every day an Australian woman dies of coronary heart disease.
On average that equates to 20 women a day, 7,300 women a year. *
The risk of high cholesterol increases with age and from age 55, women are more likely to have high cholesterol than men. It’s thought this is due to the falling levels of oestrogen around the time of menopause. *
This has become my story over the last 4 months.
At the beginning of August I was diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease with a 80% blockage in my right coronary artery.
TOTAL O M G MOMENT!
After a routine blood test showed my cholesterol levels were elevated at 6:8 my medical journey begin.
With the guidance of 3 specialist: Cardiologist, Haematologist, and Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon and many tests!
Initially after diagnosis I was facing either a stent or heart by pass surgery with complications due to suffering from nose bleeds.
With a family history of heart disease my condition is genetic. I lost my mum to heart disease at age 45, when I was 11.
There is so much emotion behind my diagnosis and facing my own mortality was very comforting. I had many a cry.
Wednesday was a great day after seeing my Cardiologist I don’t have to have a stent or by-pass surgery. I can manage my condition with medication, exercise and diet under the guidance of my GP and Cardiologist.
I’M SO HAPPY!
I’m posting to raise awareness to women and heart disease and to encourage you to have regular blood tests to check your cholesterol levels and if they are elevated see your GP and a Cardiologist who will guide you in the correct treatment, especially if you’re going through menopause.
Look for signs of chest or back pain. I did have pain but I didn’t realise it was associated with my heart. On my morning walks with Reggie my black Labrador during winter I was getting back pain just above my bra strap and heart burn, like reflux - that was my heart pain.
If you’re experiencing any discomfort or you know you don’t feel quite right, reach out to your GP, make the time and take you if you, it could save your life.
Phili x 🫶❤️
