Heart health: Beyond diet and exercise
Tanya Dargusch went to Virtua for cardiac rehabilitation following a silent heart attack
Virtua’s cardiac rehab program helps patients regain strength, confidence and their lives.
As the athletic trainer for Washington Township High School in Sewell, NJ, Tanya Dargusch knows the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. She eats well, exercises and has never smoked. Yet she still developed heart disease at age 38.
“I thought it was just a cold or at most pneumonia,” says Dargusch. “I was shocked when my doctor told me my heart valves weren’t functioning properly, and I needed surgery.”
Cardiologist, Audrey Sernyak, MD, says: “Heart disease can happen to ‘healthy’ people because it’s hereditary.”
Dargusch knew her father had a heart attack, but it wasn’t until she was diagnosed that she learned her aunt and uncle had a valve problem.
Dargusch had the valve surgery and expected a full recovery. Yet three years later, during a routine test, results showed she had a silent heart attack.
“I always thought a heart attack was crushing chest pain. In my case, I was going about my day just thinking that I was a little under the weather – getting a little winded. I had no idea I was experiencing a silent heart attack.”
During a “silent” or undiagnosed heart attack, a woman may experience shortness of breath, tightness in her chest, or nausea. While the symptoms are mild, the effects can be the same as any other heart attack. Only a cardiologist can detect if you’ve experienced a silent heart attack and offer treatment.
Having made a full recovery today, Dargusch stresses the value of cardiac rehabilitation.
“As an athletic trainer, I knew the components of a good cardiac rehabilitation program,” said Dargusch. “That’s why I made an appointment at Virtua. Virtua helped me regain my strength, my confidence and my life.”
6 WAYS to decrease your risk of heart disease |
DON’T WAIT: Many women wait too long to address medical concerns. Your heart can’t wait. Heart damage is not reversible. BE SMOKE-FREE: If you smoke, quit. If your significant other smokes, get him or her to quit too. Second-hand smoke can be just as harmful to you as being a smoker. GET MOVING: A well-rounded exercise routine is ideal, but any movement is helpful. Don’t dismiss the simple efforts of taking the stairs instead of the elevator. TUNE IN: Women tend to push themselves to the limits, ignoring warning signs along the way. Pay attention to your body, it could save your life. KNOW YOUR FAMILY HISTORY: Go beyond your immediate family to learn about your aunts, uncles and grandparents. RECLAIM YOUR LIFE: Don’t give up after heart disease. Go to cardiac rehabilitation for a full recovery. You can regain your active and independent life. |