I never thought it could happen to me.

December 30, 2023 was an ordinary day. I felt fine.

I was enjoying the annual shutdown, lunch with two good friends, and ran a few errands. My cats and I went to bed around 10 p.m.

Shortly afterward, I started to feel a burning sensation in my chest. I’d never experienced anything like this. I never had heartburn or indigestion, so I didn’t have any antacids. I went online, did a bit of research, and tried a natural remedy. It didn’t help.

Nothing brought relief. I was terribly uncomfortable lying down, sitting up, walking around. One of my cats was following me around, meowing anxiously. He knew something was wrong.

Then I started sweating profusely. I knew something was wrong. I called 911, figuring so what if I felt foolish if it was just heartburn.

The ambulance and several fire trucks were at my house within minutes. My living room was filled with emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and I was immediately hooked up to an electrocardiogram machine and a blood pressure cuff.

Their urgency was palpable. "We’re taking you to the emergency room right now," one EMT said. I protested, worried about my cats. But they insisted, "You can do that later. We’re going to the emergency room right now."

I didn’t understand what was happening, and asked, "Am I having a heart attack?" The EMT looked at me, not saying anything at first. Then he said, "Yes. You are having a heart attack."

I was in shock. I don’t remember much after that, but I did reach my pet sitter, who would take care of my cats.

When I woke up in the ICU, I learned my right coronary artery had been blocked due to a blood clot. They put in a stent, and when I came home a few days later, I began a long, slow recovery.

Slow and steady wins the race

At first, I was in disbelief. How could I have had a heart attack when I never had any symptoms? No warning?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. and responsible for 35 percent of women’s deaths each year globally.

Heart attacks can happen to anyone at any time. It’s not always the dramatic scene in movies.

Women may have no symptoms. Classic signs like pain in the left arm, neck, or back may not occur.

I had none of these symptoms.

I learned about the risk factors for women, including increased risk after menopause and the importance of the HR-CSP blood test for inflammation. Chronic inflammation can increase the risk of a heart event. Research shows it can take 12 months before we feel “normal” again, and that’s a new normal.

Most importantly, I learned that my life was not over, as I had initially feared.

Thanks to an outstanding medical team provided by Cisco's medical insurance, I received top-notch care that was crucial for my recovery. The medical professionals guided me through each step, ensuring I understood my condition and path to recovery.

The incredibly supportive environment in cardiac rehab and the Mended Hearts Program played a significant role in my journey. Mended Hearts is a premier peer-support program for cardiovascular patients, offering support, education, and advocacy to improve quality of life.

This community offered me emotional and mental support, so I felt less isolated and more hopeful about my future.

Cisco’s role

Thanks to Cisco’s incredible benefits and support, I could take the time, space, and support I needed to rest and recover.

My manager and colleagues immediately jumped in to take on my responsibilities, allowing me to focus on my recovery. Knowing my team had my back contributed significantly to my ongoing recovery. My manager checked in with me regularly after I returned to work to make sure I was taking care of myself, and my workload wasn’t too much.

When I graduated from cardiac rehab in June 2024, I was amazed at how far I had come. Some days are harder than others, but for the most part, the really hard days are becoming fewer and farther between.

I share my story to educate women about heart events and to express my gratitude to Cisco for unwavering support.

My life is not over. It’s just beginning anew, thanks to the incredible support system around me.

Listen to your body and don’t ignore warning signs. Learn more about the signs to watch out for and take proactive steps to take care of your heart: Your health is worth it.

Employee resources

• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Learn hands on CPR
• Protect your heart
• Heart attack warning signs

Related links

• Cisco Corporate Social Responsibility
• Cisco Purpose Report 2023
• Careers at Cisco