TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The American Heart Association set aside Friday to Wear Red for Women, a way to remind everyone that heart disease is the number one killer of not just men, but women in the United States.
Health professionals say women tend to focus on their families and often forget to take care of themselves.
And as a woman from the Big Bend shows us, the warning signs are easy to miss.
Looking back at her cardiac episode, Erika Austin only sees one small sign of trouble.
"I was feeling extremely tired at work. I was complaining, you know, about 'I've never been this tired before,'" said Erika.
At the time, it wasn't enough to make her think something was very wrong. Then, while she was sleeping, Erika's heart stopped.
"My husband got up around 2 in the morning. He said he heard gurgling coming from me. He said that I was foaming at the mouth, that my eyes were rolled back in my head," said Erika.
Erika does not have heart disease, but she's one of millions of Americans who have experienced a cardiac event. Doctors say the extreme fatigue she describes is actually common among female heart patients.
"Men will often get classic elephant sitting on my chest type of chest pain with a heart attack or blocked arteries. Women, it may be more subtle. They may just feel tired," said William Dixon, Interventional Cardiologist at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. "They may feel like they're having indigestion or pressure in their stomach area or in their chest. They may just be short of breath."
For many women, that means paying attention to something that's not normally a red flag.
"I didn't think, 'well, go to the doctor,' because I was just tired. I didn't know why. I was just tired," said Erika.
Erika didn't make any huge lifestyle changes after her cardiac arrest. For now, she's listening to her body and enjoying the moments that keep her heart going.
"I've got grandchildren that I've got to be here for. They keep me going," said Erika.
The top advice from health professionals for people who want to decrease their risk of heart disease is don't smoke.
But what about if you've never been a smoker?
Doctors say watch blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you have any of those make sure they are treated.
WTXL is a proud supporter. Post your pictures wearing red with the #WearRedDay and #WTXL.
