A note from our sponsor...

 Dear Readers,

    Last Tuesday, November 27th, 2012, I suffered a major attack.  I am here today, still writing this blog, because both my husband and I knew the warning signs, and took them seriously.  I am only 53, and have no markers indicating I was at risk.  I have never smoked, do not have diabetes, always had normal cholesterol levels, and do not have a serous family history of heart disease.  There was no warning signs.  I felt fine all day, went to bed, and woke up shortly after feeling queasy.  Within minutes, I was vomiting, sweating, and had tremendous back and chest pain, as well as shortness of breath.
   My husband gave me an aspirin to chew, and called 911.  In less than an hour, I was being prepped for emergency angioplasty.  There was a 100% blockage in a main artery.  A stent was put in, and I'm home recovering.  Of course, this means serious life changes in diet and exercise, as well as a myriad of daily prescription drugs.  And I will need to return for additional angioplasty sometime after the 1st of the year for two other arteries with blockage.  But I consider myself lucky.  If I had questioned my symptoms, fearing ridicule, I would surely have gone into cardiac arrest, and things might be different today.

     This blog receives nearly 2000 page views a month from all over the world.  In gratitude for my life, I am posting this chart of heart attack symptoms.  If it saves at least one life, it will have been worth it.

Thank you for your kindness and support,

Vicki  aka "madame Mystery"

Symptom	Description
Chest discomfort or pain	This discomfort or pain can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes. This discomfort may come and go.
Upper body pain	Pain or discomfort may spread beyond your chest to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. You may have upper body pain with no chest discomfort.
Stomach pain	Pain may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.
Shortness of breath	You may pant for breath or try to take in deep breaths. This often occurs before you develop chest discomfort or you may not experience any chest discomfort.
Anxiety	You may feel a sense of doom or feel as if you're having a panic attack for no apparent reason.
Lightheadedness	In addition to chest pressure, you may feel dizzy or feel like you might pass out.
Sweating	You may suddenly break into a sweat with cold, clammy skin.
Nausea and vomiting	You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.