Susan Lucci Remembers Her Widow Maker Heart Attack Fear

Susan Lucci, renowned for her role in the soap opera "All My Children," recently opened up about her terrifying experience with a widow maker heart attack, a condition that could have been fatal had she ignored her symptoms. Lucci, an ambassador for the American Heart Association, stressed the importance of women listening to their bodies and seeking medical attention promptly.

Susan Lucci, the iconic soap opera actress known for her role in "All My Children," has recently shared her harrowing experience with a widow maker heart attack scare. As an ambassador for the American Heart Association, Lucci is using her platform to raise awareness about the importance of women recognizing and acting on heart symptoms.

Susan Lucci Remembers Her Widow Maker Heart Attack Fear

Six years ago, Lucci faced a life-threatening cardiac event. While waiting to be seated at a restaurant with her husband, she felt a mild pressure on her chest. Dismissing it as holiday stress, she ignored the symptom. However, a few weeks later, the pressure returned, this time radiating around her rib cage and back.

Unfamiliar with such symptoms, Lucci initially attributed them to an overly tight bra. However, upon checking, she realized that was not the case. The pressure persisted, and she returned home.

Susan Lucci Remembers Her Widow Maker Heart Attack Fear

Concerned, Lucci visited her doctor, who promptly ordered a scan. The results revealed a 90% blockage in her main artery to the heart. Her medical team informed her that had she not sought immediate medical attention, she could have succumbed to the widow maker, a fatal heart attack that occurs when the main artery to the heart becomes blocked.

Doctors inserted two stents to address the blockage, potentially saving Lucci's life. She has since made a remarkable recovery and uses her story to advocate for women's heart health.

Susan Lucci Remembers Her Widow Maker Heart Attack Fear

"My message for women is to listen to your body," Lucci emphasized. "Always put yourself on your to-do list. We don’t even put ourselves on the list. I’m lucky I’m here to tell my story."

Lucci's experience highlights the importance of recognizing and acting on symptoms associated with heart disease, which can differ between men and women. Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back, and unusual fatigue are common symptoms of heart attack in women.

Susan Lucci Remembers Her Widow Maker Heart Attack Fear

Ignorance and misconceptions surrounding heart disease among women have contributed to delayed diagnosis and treatment, leading to worse outcomes. Lucci's advocacy aims to bridge this knowledge gap and empower women to prioritize their health.

By raising awareness and encouraging open discussions, Lucci hopes to prevent others from experiencing the same life-threatening situation she faced. Her unwavering commitment to women's heart health serves as an inspiration to all who seek to live long and healthy lives.

Susan Lucci Remembers Her Widow Maker Heart Attack Fear