locally sponsored by
nationally sponsored by
PAGE 2
THE COURIER
GO RED
www.wcfcourier.com
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010
Three stories of survival By KARRIS GOLDEN For the Courier
CEDAR FALLS — Delah Friedel didn’t have chest pains or shortness of breath. As a result, the Cedar Falls woman was almost positive her shoulder and back pain didn’t point to heart attack. Tamara Schlitter, also of Cedar Falls, didn’t want to call paramedics and discover her discomfort was merely indigestion. Waterloo’s Mary Lou Mead asked her doctor about chest and back pain, never dreaming she’d learn four of her arteries were nearly 100 percent blocked. In overcoming doubt and confronting “minor” warning signs, Delah, Tamara and Mary Lou ensured they’d be heart disease survivors, not victims. Heart disease is “by far and away the leading cause of death in women,” according to the American Heart Association. Many women remain unaware, believing cancer is of greater concern and failing to decrease their risk through lifestyle changes.
Delah’s story Delah, a nurse, admits she didn’t follow procedure during her heart attack. When Delah woke the morning of Sept. 13, 2008, she thought the pressure on her back and shoulders was from another cause. The pressure steadily
Attack symptoms Few people experience the “movie heart attack.” Instead, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Well known heart attack symptoms include chest discomfort, discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach and shortness of breath. Sufferers also may experience cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea and/ or vomiting and back or jaw pain. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. Each minute you save can help prevent damage to the heart and possibly save your life. Paramedics can begin life-saving treatment upon arrival — up to an hour faster than if you get to the hospital by car. Source: American Heart Association
TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer
Tamara Schlitter, left, Mary Lou Mead, center, and Delah Friedel share a joy for living after dealing with heart problems.
The pain had begun to radiate to her jaw — a sign that something was seriously wrong. At the hospital, she learned she had two complete blockages of the coronary artery, which had caused a mild heart attack. Fit and in control of her diet, Delah wondered at her lack of symptoms until that morning. “I guess the good Lord was looking after me,” she says. Today, Delah knows the symptoms she experienced are more common, if less publicized, in women. “So many women died from heart disease in the past because they thought it was something worsened, making her feel like else.” someone was “standing on my Tamara’s story back,” she recalls. “I called my daughter-in-law In Tamara‘s case, the symp… and told her I was either hav- toms were long present, but she ing a heart attack or a gall blad- actively ignored them. She didn’t der attack,” she says. want to inconvenience anyone Her daughter-in-law offered over something less than heart to take her to the emergency disease — or “look stupid.” room. Despite better judgement In 2003, she noticed a “heavy — Delah knew she should call feeling” in her chest after walkparamedics — she accepted the ing even a short distance. ride. She went to a doctor, who “I didn’t want to admit it was that serious,” Delah explains. See SURVIVORS, page 3
Take Heart, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
Tickets on sale for Go Red for Women event The Cedar Valley’s sixth annual Go Red for Women event is Feb. 19. The theme is “Take Off Your Mask,” hosted by the American Heart Association. The all-day event takes place at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Doors open at 9 a.m. for educational sessions, health screenings (cholesterol, blood sugar, BMI, heart attack risk and
more), silent auction and vendor booths. A heart-healthy lunch will be served at noon, featuring local women sharing their heart health stories. At 1:30 p.m., the Heart’s D’Lite event begins with an afternoon of relaxing, pampering, massages, makeovers and shopping. Tickets are $45 for the entire event, which includes a canvas
tote bag filled with more than $30 in gifts. For tickets, call (888) 619-7980 or e-mail Kristin. Anderson@heart.org to purchase tickets. Allen Hospital is the presenting sponsor. Cedar Valley Vein Clinic is sponsoring the auction and major sponsor is the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center. Media sponsors are the Courier, KWWL-TV and Mix 96 Radio.
7511 University Avenue . Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Phone: 319.268.0401 . www.cflh.org
www.wcfcourier.com
GO RED
It came. She remained motionless, waiting for the sensation to go away. After 10 minutes, the heaviness started getting worse. “I realized that I was (at home) all by myself, and I thought, ‘If they ďŹ nd me dead here in the morning, my kids are going to be really ticked at me,’â€? she says. Despite her growing discomfort, Tamara felt foolish about calling 9-1-1, insisting to the operator it was “probably nothing.â€? During the call, Tamara felt nauseous and left the call to vomit. Paramedics arrived and quickly determined Tamara was having a heart attack. At Allen Hospital in Waterloo, she had the surgery she dreaded. Tamara regrets putting off surgery and that she let her problem go on too long. “I’m on the road to recovery — I hope,â€? Tamara says. “Life really is too short to take these kind of chances. I was really, really dumb in my insistence that there was nothing severe enough to make
me go have surgery.� The experience taught Tamara her reasons weren’t good enough to ignore warning signs. “As women, we’re used to handling things,� she explains. “If you’re used to being well and have a time when you’re sick, you feel vulnerable. You have this, ‘Leave me alone; I’ll be all right,’ reaction.�
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010
GO RED From page 2 did some tests. The results showed clogged arteries, which had caused the sensation in her chest. “The doctor wanted me to have surgery, but I said no,â€? she says. Her doctor argued with her, even telling her she‘d die. She told him she wouldn‘t. “That was me being a dummy,â€? she says. Prior commitments and responsibilities weren’t the issue she wouldn’t â€œďŹ t inâ€? the surgery. She just didn’t want to do it; thoughts of a surgical scar, possible infection and death scared her. One day while alone at home, Tamara decided the problem was actually indigestion. To test the theory, she ate a small meal, telling herself she‘d sit still and see if “the thingâ€? came when she wasn‘t moving. If it did, she‘d admit it wasn‘t indigestion.
! $ ! ' %+ ( *" ' %' *' %$
Specialized vein care with multiple treatment options - ' %( + $( - $%*( *" '( - & ' + $( - $%*( $ %#& ) $
Feel like you have new legs! ! $ $ " ! !
Mary Lou’s story
PAGE 3
THE COURIER Faced with open heart surgery, Mary Lou also faced facts. “My mother had heart trouble, and both of my sisters had open heart surgery,â€? she says. “But I never thought it was that bad that I had to worry.â€? Grateful she didn’t have a heart attack, Mary Lou now works toward change. Recovery has been slow due to complications from surgery, and she struggles with exercise and diet. Thankfully, Mary Lou can tell her “boringâ€? story because she got answers in a doctor’s office, not an emergency room. “I was 72 at the time of my surgery,â€? she says. “That’s 72 years it took for my problem to make itself known. For others, it doesn’t happen that way. They don’t ďŹ nd out until it’s a heart attack. It’s better to ďŹ nd out early.â€?
Mary Lou believes her story is rather boring. And that’s OK, because her story didn’t end with a heart attack. While preparing for a doctor’s appointment in summer 2008, she experienced chest pains. She mentioned it to her doctor’s nurse, noting that her back hurt while walking up the steps. An electrocardiogram led to a referral to a cardiologist, who ordered a dye test. Less than 15 Cause for concern minutes into the test, Mary Lou Delah worries that stereotypes learned she was in danger. continue to plague heart disease. “I had four clogged arteries,� In particular, she hopes younger she explains. women know of their increased
risk. “Women who have heart attacks are going to be younger because of their diets. They don’t watch their cholesterol,� she says. Being in good shape and watching her diet may have mitigated the damage caused by her heart attack and helped her recovery. “Diet and exercise are the things you can change,� says Delah. “Your genetics you cannot change.� Classes that stress better eating habits and stress-reduction are part of cardiac rehabilitation. These classes helped Tamara to implement changes like reading food labels and switching to olive oil. She also got a treadmill. All three women say it’s best to ask your doctor that “stupid question,� order a test done or call 9-1-1. “We’re all susceptible,� says Mary Lou. “You don’t know when it will be your time. You just have to be aware and do what you can.�
The Only Nationally Accredited Vascular Lab in the Cedar Valley
! $ ! ' %+ ( *" ' %' *' %$ #&" $%$ $+ ( + ( ' $ $ ( ) ) ( + " + ( %#&' $( + + ( *" ' $ $ ' " *")' (%*$ ()* (
Call today for your appointment: 319-233-6211 # ! ! ! # "
146 West Dale Street, Suite 202, Waterloo
www.CedarValleyVeinClinic.com
%"" ) * )
' ""(
" ) * )
) '"%%
% $ ) $ ) %, ' '! * " $ ) '"%%
PAGE 4
THE COURIER
GO RED
www.wcfcourier.com
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010
Responding to symptoms proves to be lifesaver WATERLOO — Shirley Austin of Traer had no idea her heart was at risk. Everything seemed normal for this 70-year-old grandmother of five, until just last year. That’s when she started having back trouble. Her physician, Dr. Susan Swift, found a problem in Shirley’s hip. She needed it replaced. But as she prepared for hip surgery in July, Shirley got more unsettling news. “I flunked my physical,” Shirley said. “The carotid artery in my neck was 85-percent blocked.” Her surgical calendar changed overnight. In August, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Dr. James Wright opened her blocked artery. A month later, Shirley had her hip replaced. Her recoveries went well, and within weeks, Shirley finally felt she was settling back into a normal fall routine. But the big story was yet to come. “I was at a Friday night high school football game in Traer, and I got this just awful headache. My eyes were hurting real bad,” Shirley explained. By the end of the game, Shirley’s headache was gone. She felt fine, so she went to a get-together with friends. But when she returned home, her headache came back too. Unable to sleep, Shirley considered calling someone for help, but suddenly the pain went away. “I really didn’t think much more about it.” Five nights later, Shirley was back in the stands, feeling fine until it was time to leave. “I started my car to go home, and all of a sudden my head was just pounding. I couldn’t stand it. I could hardly see to drive.” Shirley managed to get home and then called a neighbor. She came over and encouraged Shirley to call her doctor. Her doctor told her to have the neighbor drive her to the Allen emergency room. Her first test results seemed clear. A CT scan of her head showed no problems. But when the ER doctor asked about any other pain, Shirley reported
“When you get a pain, even though you don’t want to complain to your doctor, it’s important to share what’s going on and what you’re feeling. Don’t put it off. I’m so glad I didn’t.’’ Shirley Austin
“If you show high risk factors when you take the online assessment, I’ll follow up with you.” DuCharme says. “And you’re welcome to call me with questions, especially if you can’t take the online assessment.” DuCharme and other Allen COURTESY PHOTOS cardiac nurses will be at the Go Red for Women event on Feb.19, Shirley Austin of Traer, an Allen heart patient, and cardiac rehab nurse Heidi DuCharme, Allen HeartAware to assist women with the online coordinator. Allen HeartAware risk assessminor pain in the left side of there was going to be a prob- about symptoms or heart-risk ment and share information on the prevention of heart disease. her chest. It didn’t take long for lem,” Shirley said. “Thankfully, concerns. blood work and additional tests I listened to my neighbor and my to signal more than minor pain. doctor that night of my headShirley had already had a heart ache, and got to the Allen emergency room right away.” attack. That’s Shirley’s message to Shirley spent the night at Allen. The next morning, Shirley’s other women, “When you get heart catheterization revealed a pain, even though you don’t a severely blocked artery. Car- want to complain to your docdiologist Dr. Kalyana Sunda- tor, it’s important to share what’s ram visited with Shirley about going on and what you’re feelher condition. The blockage ing. Don’t put it off. I’m so glad I was extensive and needed to be didn’t. Now I’ve got a new lease cleared right away. Since another on life and another chance to Allen cardiologist was not imme- have more days with my family.” To help you learn your risk diately available to assist, Dr. Sundaram transferred Shirley to factors, Allen Hospital, the preUniversity of Iowa Hospitals and senting sponsor of Cedar Valley Clinics in Iowa City. A heart team Go Red For Women, offers Allen there cleared Shirley’s artery and HeartAware, an online heart risk assessment, at allenhospital. inserted a stent to keep it open. Shirley has recovered well. She org. Participants can complete just completed her cardiac rehab this free assessment in seven program at Allen Hospital this minutes. Help also is just a phone call month, and she appreciates the away. Allen HeartAware coordichoices she made. “I’m glad Dr. Sundaram knew nator Heidi DuCharme, a carenough to send me on right away diac rehab nurse, is available at and not risk my life if he thought 235-3944 to talk with callers
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010
GO RED
www.wcfcourier.com
PAGE 5
THE COURIER
Knowing symptoms a matter of life and death There are many types of cardiovascular diseases. About 80 million American adults have one or more of them. Each year more than 864,000 people die from them — that’s about 35 percent of all deaths in the United States.
Heart attacks Every 37 seconds, someone dies from heart and blood vessel diseases, America’s No. 1 killer. Since most of those deaths are from coronary heart disease — about 446,000 each year — it’s important to learn all you can about heart attacks. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most of them start slowly, with mild Here are some of the signs pain or discomfort. Often the people affected aren’t sure that can mean a heart attack is what’s wrong and wait too long happening: ■ Chest discomfort. Most heart before getting help.
COURTESY PHOTO
attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes
back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. ■ Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. ■ Shortness of breath. This feeling may occur with or without chest discomfort. ■ Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. If you or someone you are
with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don’t wait longer than five minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1. Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff members also are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. And you will get treated faster in the hospital if you arrive by ambulance. If you’re the one having symptoms, and you can’t access emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the hospital right away. Don’t drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.
“...and my mother suffered two strokes in her 40’s. Is there anything I can do to help me avoid their fate?” – Carol Poppe, age 65 Carol Poppe’s family history of heart disease was one she did, in fact, inherit. Ten years ago, she had a heart attack. Since then, she’s made positive lifestyle changes. But the most important life-saving step Carol could take today is to be screened with the LightSpeed CT Scanner — only available at Covenant Medical Center.
Heights of Technology. Hearts of Compassion.
The CT Scanner is one of today’s most powerful diagnostic tools in cardiology. By capturing detailed 3-D images deep within the heart and coronary arteries, cardiovascular disorders can be detected – before it’s too late. Take control of tomorrow by taking action today. If you’re at risk for heart disease, see your doctor to schedule a CT scan at Covenant – where the heights of technology, expertise and compassion keep us leading with heart.
319.272.5000 • www.covhealth.com
GO RED
PAGE 6
THE COURIER
Call goes out for women’s heart stories
Are you a candidate for this life-saving test?
One in three women die of cardiovascular disease and 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease in the future. On Feb. 13, the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement is launching a call for stories and encouraging Eastern Iowa women to Speak Up about heart disease. To kick off the search, Mix 96.5’s Katheryn Foxx will host a casting call event from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Iowa Children’s Museum, Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville. There will be blood pressure checks and more. “After learning about how heart disease runs in my own family, I know how important it is to speak up about this silent killer,” said Feryl York, Mrs. Iowa International 2010. “Too many women remain unaware. We must spread the word to our friends, family and community about how to make the right choices every day. You can truly save lives with the power of your very own voice.” Women who share their stories have the chance to become a national or local spokesperson for the cause, representing Go Red For Women in marketing materials, at events, on GoRedForWomen.org and possibly in a national television special about women and heart disease. “Heart disease is largely preventable. In fact, research shows that 80 percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if women make the right choices for their hearts,” said Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., Go Red For Women spokeswoman and director of Nuclear Cardiology at New York University. “But we must speak up and spread the word in order to motivate women to make lifesaving and heart-healthy choices.”
By DR. TIMOTHY CARMODY Cardiovascular interventional radiologist, Covenant Medical Center
WATERLOO — Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. Why? We might have a family history of CAD or not follow a heart-healthy diet. Perhaps we don’t exercise enough, we smoke or partake in a combination of other unhealthy habits. Over time, Dr. Timothy CAD can become Carmody an issue. As we age arteries can harden or become narrow, reducing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. Sometimes even younger people who don’t smoke, eat right and exercise can get heart disease. That’s likely caused by a bad set of family genes. So how do you know if you’re at risk? That’s the question we don’t ask often enough. With
today’s technology, it’s time to start asking. Today, we have access to volume computed tomography, one of the most advanced diagnostic tools in the world available to detect cardiovascular disease. This new technology allows experts to take clear, crisp, three-dimensional images of the coronary arteries as the heart continues to beat. Within minutes, a radiologist can identify a problem. Technological advancements have also made the CT coronary angiography a less expensive and less invasive procedure with a lower dose of radiation. That’s good news all the way around. So where do you go from here? Let’s say you’re a 42-year-old with an extra 25 pounds to lose. You’re a busy person with a full-time job, active kids and little time for sleep. Your family eats on the go and you slip in a little exercise by taking the stairs at work or a bike ride with the kids on Sunday. You enjoy a few drinks and cigarettes with your co-workers at the end of
www.wcfcourier.com
CT angiography basically gives the patient a look at how past habits may be slowly deteriorating the arteries or how a strong family history of heart disease automatically puts you at risk. a long week. You’re tired and stressed often, but that’s life. Your grandfather died of a heart attack, your father is on blood pressure medicine and your mom is a diabetic. You worry about the future in general and should probably make some changes in your life, but you’re too busy being a parent and making ends meet. Sound familiar? Do yourself a favor and schedule a checkup with your family doctor. During your visit, tell him about your lifestyle, your habits and family history. Your physician will
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010
know if you’re a candidate for CT coronary angiography. CT angiography basically gives the patient a look at how past habits may be slowly deteriorating the arteries or how a strong family history of heart disease automatically puts you at risk. Even if you’ve stopped smoking or other bad habits, you could still be in trouble. Or maybe you follow all the rules, but your relatives have suffered from heart disease early in life. These are a few examples of people who might be a good candidate for CT Angiography. Give yourself peace of mind and take advantage of this new technology. Ask your primary care doctor today if this test is right for you. Don’t wait for the chest pain to start, and don’t assume it won’t happen to you and dismiss possible symptoms. Timothy Carmody, MD, is a board certified and fellowship trained cardiovascular interventional radiologist at Covenant Medical Center, part of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010
www.wcfcourier.com
GO RED
PAGE 7
THE COURIER
Silence isn’t golden when it comes to heart disease Speak up. Too many women die each year because they are unaware that heart disease is their No. 1 killer. Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s solution to save women’s lives.
Why speak up?
â– Cardiovascular disease kills approximately 450,000 women each year, about one every minute. â– While one in 30 American women die of breast cancer, about 1 in 3 die from cardiovascular disease. â– More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next
ďŹ ve causes of death combined, Join the conversation including all forms of cancer. â– Participate in National Wear Red Day, Feb. 5. Why go red? â– Promote grassroots involveResearch shows that women ment who “Go Redâ€? are more likely to â– Show Up: Attend a local Go Red For Women luncheon to make healthy choices. â– More than one-third have lost learn more about how you can support Go Red For Women in weight. â– Nearly 55 percent have your community. â– Speak Up: Make the hearts of increased their exercise. â– Six out of 10 have changed your community stronger than ever by volunteering at your their diets. â– More than 40 percent have local American Heart Associachecked their cholesterol levels. tion office. â– One third have talked with â– Shop go red. Go to ShopGtheir doctors about developing oRed.com to support life-saving research and awareness heart health plans.
Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s nationwide movement that celebrates the energy, passion and power women have to band together and ďŹ ght heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. The movement gives women tips and information on healthy eating, exercise and risk factor reduction, such as smoking cessation, weight maintenance, blood pressure control and blood cholesterol management. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress are linked with the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives. Visit www.GoRedForWomen.org.
For Women or call the local office at (319) 352-4825. Go Red For Women is sponsored nationally by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc.
A dierence you can feel‌ ‌a feeling you can see.
Cardiac Services Close to Home Cardiac Rehabilitation • •
Medically supervised Includes exercise, lifestyle changes, education and support
Diagnostic Testing
Where your money goes
The Go Red movement
programs by purchasing Go Red For Women apparel, accessories and other heart-healthy products. â– Visit GoRedForWomen.org-
Donations to the American Heart Association help scientists ďŹ nd causes and cures for Americans’ No. 1 and No. 3 killers — heart disease and stroke. Here in Eastern Iowa, you recognize the importance of these critical dollars and generously provide funds to help us save lives. We also have a pool of medical professionals in our community who are working to develop new medical advances and provide increased
knowledge of cardiovascular diseases. Every year, local researchers receive more American Heart Association funding that we raise at a local level through our fundraisers. For every dollar raised in Eastern Iowa, more money will come back to the metro in research funding. To learn more about your donation dollars at work with the American Heart Association, visit www.americanheart.org.
Your parents want to stay in the place they call home.
We can help. Whether you are looking for someone to help an aging parent a few hours a week or need more comprehensive assistance, Home Instead can help.
Call for a free, no-obligation appointment:
319.235.5999
homeinstead.com/662
• • • • • • •
Echocardiograms Stress Testing/Stress Echoes Carotid Studies Segmental Pressures EKG’s Arrhythmia Monitoring Pulmonary Function Testing
www.WaverlyHealthCenter.org
PAGE 8
www.wcfcourier.com
THE COURIER
Jan Weber Allen Heart Patient, Dike Shirley Austin Allen Heart Patient, Traer
Karen Phillips Allen Heart Patient, Waterloo
Three Women. Three Heart Attacks. Three Survivors.
WHY? All three women had warning signs. Shirley had recurring headaches. Karen had persistent heartburn. And Jan had a pinching pressure in her chest she just couldn’t shake. They didn’t wait. They listened when people told them to get help. They knew something was wrong, and they acted.
Why did they live? What made the difference? Hear their stories at Go Red for Women. All three will be there to tell them. And all three went to Allen Hospital for heart attacks.
allenhospital.org
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010