Surviving a Heart Attack One Womans Success Story

When Beth Wheeler ended up in the Emergency room at the age of 41, “You had a heart attack” were the last words she expected to hear.

On a hot day in June of 2002, what began as an ordinary night like any other, Beth Wheeler was cooking dinner when she experienced a sharp pain between her shoulder blades, followed by indigestion then numbness in her left arm. A trip to the ER soon turned into a nightmare. She had just been given the diagnosis she was dreading... “heart attack”. Beth was only 41 and considered herself to be in great health. She had been actively involved in her local gym, as well as taking aerobics classes regularly since she was 17.

A cardiovascular surgeon was called in, and Wheeler underwent a cardiac catheterization to insert 3 stents into a collapsed artery. The first few days and weeks were a blur, relearning what she thought she had always known, “How to be in the best shape possible”. She started into a cardiac rehab program, built her exercise routine back to at least 4-5 times a week, watched her sodium intake, avoided caffeine, and made sure she ate as healthy as she could!

Now at the age of 61, Wheeler has kept up with those life changing habits. She sees her cardiologist annually, continues to exercise and eat healthy, which includes low sodium, non-processed foods, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. She also avoids stress as much as possible and is sure to get plenty of sleep.

Wheeler now lives in New England where she enjoys many activities, including working out in her home gym, biking, and especially hiking. And who can blame her? Those views are hard to beat!

If you feel like you are having symptoms of a heart attack, remember early intervention is key. Seek medical attention immediately. About 90% of people who suffer a heart attack survive if they arrive at the hospital alive. Many heart attack fatalities occur because victims fail to receive swift medical attention, and their failure to do so is often caused by their own hesitation to act. If you feel any of the above symptoms, don’t try to wait them out. Call 9-1-1 to get help immediately.