A North Carolina heart attack survivor shares her story

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Longtime educator Claire Watkins says her life suddenly changed during a girls’ trip to Surf City, North Carolina, in September 2011.

“I haven’t been feeling well for a few days and thought I had indigestion,” Watkins said.

“We went out to dinner and I climbed the stairs and when I got to the top I couldn’t breathe,” she said.

Claire learned she was suffering a heart attack. She says all she could think about was her husband and two sons, one in high school and the other in college.

“I thought, my story can’t end like this,” she said.

It’s an all-too-familiar story that American Heart Association of the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina Executive Director Debra Lowder hears too often, especially about women.

“My grandmother died of a stroke and I didn’t know at the time that the biggest danger to a woman was heart disease. We have more women dying from heart disease than all cancers combined,” Lowder said.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States.

That’s why events like Go Red educate and empower women.

Lowder says the funds raised through this event will provide blood pressure monitors to communities that don’t have access to them, as well as provide funding for more women in research and more research on women’s heart health.

“This way we become more aware of the symptoms and things we can do,” Lowder said.

UNC Health Rex cardiologist Christopher Kelly says know the warning signs.

“You should watch for chest pain, pressure or heaviness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting,” said Dr. Kelly.

Dr. Kelly also warns women to be aware of even atypical symptoms.

“I’m talking about nausea, vomiting and fatigue,” he said.

13 years later, the family of heart attack survivor Clair Watkins is grateful they were able to help raise awareness.

“Something like that changes you and it can change you for the better,” Watkins said.

This is the 20th anniversary of the Go Red for Women movement and the 100th anniversary of the American Heart Association.

For more information on how to get involved or to receive life-saving information, click here.