In 2005, I had aheart attackat 39 years old.
For a week leading up to my heart attack, I had aheadachethat wouldnt go away.
I didnt know that headaches were a sign of heart attacks, and it was my onlysymptomat that time.
Photo courtesy of Rolanda Perkins / Designed by Julie Bang / Verywell
I was running around, getting things ready and preparing, so I wasnt getting enough sleep or rest.
I did a lot of self-diagnosing that week.
I had never felt a pain like that before.
I immediately knew something was wrong.
I felt very strange, and the pain was a lot more intense, like something abnormal was happening.
I was frightened but I didnt panic.
I went to the hospital, where they performed a lot oftests.
Rolanda Perkins
I was so grateful to be alive.
I told myself that I was still here for a reason.
I just didnt know what that reason was yet.
I couldnt even register the information.
After the exam, I was informed that the tests didnt show any issues.
I realized how fortunate I was to survive this event.
I told myself that I was still here for a reason.
I just didnt know what that reason was yet.
From Recovery to Advocacy
I spent a week recovering at the hospital.
During that time, the pain in my chest and my headache came and went again.
I didnt realize it at the time, but I know now that I was going throughdepression.
I didnt realize it at the time, but I know now that I was going through depression.
Those events also helped build my confidence.
I recalled that moment in the hospital, when I told myself I was still here for a reason.
I realized that using my experience to help others was the reason.
I participated in a volunteer event at Macys, where I got to share my heart attack experience.
Through this organization, I serve as a WomenHeart Champion.
Champions are women living with heart disease who volunteer with WomenHeart.
Weve all completed a training hosted by the Mayo Clinic faculty.
Were active in our communities, leading support networks and providing community education about heart disease in women.
WomenHeart offersRed Bags of Courage, which include information for women about heart health.
Its the kind of resource I wish I had prior to and even after my heart attack.
As part of my advocacy work, I volunteer with another WomenHeart champion from Nashville.
We inform them about their risk factors for heart disease andsymptomsto watch for.
Her story is completely different from mine.
Since 2009, Ive been involved in helping to host Wear Red Sundays at my church.
Being concerned with our heart health is something that needs to be on our minds daily.
We dont do this to scare people, but to help prepare them.
Again, this work always takes me back to the day of my heart attack.
Hearing stories like that is always so rewarding for me.
Its important to know all the possible signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
Even though I had a headache, plenty of other women wont because everyone experiences symptoms differently.
Heart disease is still the leading killer of women, and it kills more women than all cancers combined.
When I speak to women, I always encourage them to listen to their bodies.
This is especially true if its a new symptom, or something that persists.
A headache that lasts for a day may not be much to worry about.
However, if it lasts for a week or longer, then its something you should get checked out.
Knowing Your Risk
To help prevent a heart attack, its important to know your risk.
Stress was a huge factor for me.
And even though I exercised regularly, I also know that my diet could have been more heart-healthy.
Taking care of my mental health by working with a counselor was a big part of my healing process.
I always tell people, Dont be afraid to talk to someone.
Its okay if you need that extra support and if you need it for the rest of your life.
Finding My Passion
My advocacy work has become a passion for me.
Im so grateful I get the opportunity to help other women fight and prevent heart disease.
This work has afforded me many opportunities.
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