Memphis, Tennessee – Lori Sepich, a 64-year-ancient resident of Memphis, is sharing her story after surviving two heart attacks 13 years apart, hoping to raise awareness about the often-overlooked symptoms of heart disease in women. Sepich, who smoked for years and occasionally skipped her blood pressure medication, initially dismissed the possibility of a heart condition, a sentiment echoed by many women who experience cardiovascular issues.
More than 60 million women in the United States live with cardiovascular disease, encompassing heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, according to the American Heart Association. Despite a common misconception that heart attacks primarily affect men, women are significantly vulnerable, with cardiovascular disease being the number one killer of women in the U.S. – responsible for one in five female deaths annually, including approximately 37,000 heart attack fatalities.
“Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. It will affect you or someone you know,” stated Dr. Sharonne Hayes, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “Knowing what to do if you have symptoms of a heart attack and taking action if you do, that’s really important.”
Sepich’s journey began at age 17 with a diagnosis of extremely high blood pressure. She initially downplayed the severity of the condition, a pattern that continued for decades. In 2005, at the age of 43, she experienced her first heart attack on Easter Sunday, dismissing the chest pressure, nausea, and radiating arm pain as something she could “ride out.” She attended Mass and a family luncheon, and even went to work the following day before finally seeking medical attention at her doctor’s urging. She subsequently underwent a procedure to have six stents placed and spent a week in the hospital.
A second heart attack occurred several years later, prompting a quicker response and the placement of another stent after her cardiologist discovered a near-complete blockage in a major artery. Sepich has since prioritized her health, controlling her blood pressure, quitting smoking over two decades ago, and incorporating daily exercise into her routine.
Experts emphasize that heart attack symptoms can differ between men and women. While chest pain or discomfort is a common indicator, women are more likely to experience other symptoms, including back pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, fatigue, nausea, lightheadedness, anxiety, jaw pain, and tingling in the fingers. These symptoms may similarly present more subtly in women than in men, often waxing and waning over time.
Dr. Stacey Rosen, president of the American Heart Association, advises women to be proactive about their heart health. “If you think that there’s even a chance that you’re having a heart attack, that’s when you call 911,” she said, stressing the importance of erring on the side of caution. She recommends seeking care at a hospital, which is better equipped to handle cardiac emergencies than urgent care centers or doctor’s offices.
The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” provides a framework for reducing cardiovascular risk: a healthy diet, quitting tobacco, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, cholesterol management, and control of weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Regular checkups and discussions with healthcare providers about family history and potential risk factors are also crucial.
Sepich, recently recognized as a 2026 Survivor by Go Red for Women, now advocates for greater awareness of heart disease among women. “I could justify my actions from denial. I could just be like, ‘Oh, it’s not gonna hurt you,’” she said. “Well, it does hurt you. It can kill you.”