Cleveland Heights Resident Has Much To Be Thankful For This Mother's Day

Cleveland Heights resident Charlotte Chambliss never wondered why she was tired and occasionally short of breath, it seemed obvious to her. She was 55 years old, worked full time and cared for her elderly mother. But she reasoned that she was quite healthy. 

On May 21^st of last year that all changed. She was feeling tired in her upper body and while playing with her granddaughter that day, she suffered a heart attack. Paramedics were called and resuscitated her, but a few days later she was still unconscious. A catheterization showed that one artery was 90% blocked and a stent was inserted by University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute associate chief, Dr. Barry Effron. He thinks the artery was entirely blocked at the moment Charlotte had her heart attack.

For people who suffer a cardiac arrest, like Charlotte did, only 4 percent ultimately survive with no neurological damage. CPR training and AED’s in the community can help, along with calling 911 immediately.

Charlotte was one of the lucky 4 percent and woke up a week later with no signs of damage. She has since been prescribed medication to control cholesterol and blood pressure, and she invested in a treadmill and walks 30 minutes most days of the week. She’s modified her diet to include more fish and vegetables and continues to work on her health.

One lesson she’d like to share with other women, mothers and grandmothers this Mother’s Day is that if you don’t feel normal, visit your doctor. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women of all ages and women should be aware of the signs of a heart attack.

To learn more about women and heart disease, visit www.GoRedForWomen.org.