Heart Disease Grabbed Her by the Throat

Teresa suspected everything except heart disease. She started taking antacids in case her symptoms were caused by indigestion. She sought advice from her ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, family physician and gastroenterologist.

"I had every test under the sun," she says. "Blood pressure, CT scans, sonogram, endoscopy, MRI – and they all came back negative."

Fortunately, Teresa's gastroenterologist encouraged her to get a heart stress test. In June 2017, Teresa met with cardiologist Ashley Simmons, MD, medical director of the Adelaide C. Ward Women's Heart Health Center at The University of Kansas Health System.

"Teresa is physically fit, active, a real go-getter," Dr. Simmons says. "Heart disease was not on her radar."

Dr. Simmons discovered a few red flags in Teresa's medical records. Her bloodwork indicated she had 3 risk factors for heart disease. In addition, her family history suggested a genetic predisposition for heart disease. Her father died of a heart attack at age 50. She also lost a brother to heart disease when he was just 55.

Dr. Simmons suggested a chemical stress test to evaluate Teresa's throat tightness. The test showed severely decreased blood flow to her heart. Just hours after her test, she was admitted for a heart catheterization.

Interventional cardiologist Peter M. Tadros, MD, performed Teresa's procedure and discovered severe coronary artery disease. Luckily, Dr. Tadros successfully opened her arteries with stents before the disease caused permanent damage. Had her condition gone undiagnosed, Teresa could have experienced a massive heart attack or arrhythmia.

Like Teresa, many women don't think of themselves as being at risk for heart disease. However, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in America, claiming more lives than all cancers combined.

Research shows that women often experience different symptoms than men. That's why Teresa shares her story with family, friends and physicians. She wants everyone to know that unusual throat pressure and pain should be evaluated by a cardiologist.

"Dr. Simmons worked hard to figure out this puzzle and she didn't stop searching until all the pieces were in place," she says. "I'm so thankful."

Today, Teresa takes medication to maintain her heart health. She's also trying to bring more balance into her life by doing a little less than she used to.

"When you face the end, it gives you a different kind of freedom and courage. Life is a privilege and a gift. I feel blessed."