January 31, 2018 – (Yakima, WA) – Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women in the US, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined? This Friday, February 2 Astria Heart Institute is celebrating women’s cardiac health and the national Go Red for Women Day with a luncheon and cardiac panel discussion.
The panel discussion will feature Amae Merrill, a 34 year old woman, fourth grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, wife and mother of twin 13 year-old boys who suffered from acute coronary syndrome. Ms. Merrill began experiencing chest pain this summer and promptly went to see her primary care provider who referred her to Astria Heart Institute cardiologist Dr. James Kneller. After further consultations and stress testing Dr. Kneller found abnormalities. Dr. Bradley Titus, an Interventional Cardiologist with Astria Heart Institute performed an angiogram, found the blockage and put a stent in, opening the valve.
When asked about her recovery Ms. Merrill replied, “When I woke up I felt like a new person. I didn’t realize how sick I was until I had blood and oxygen flowing again. The pain I was experiencing is gone. I think it’s really important for women to listen to their bodies and advocate for their healthcare. If something doesn’t feel right you need to tell your doctor and don’t take no for an answer. I’m only 34 years old, I’m not your typical heart disease patient but I knew something didn’t feel right. Dr. Bremjit, my primary care doctor, Dr. Kneller and Dr. Titus saved my life.”
Additional speakers include Richard Lundgren, RN, Chest Pain Coordinator who will speak on early heart attack warning signs, A-typical signs in women and what to do if you experience any of these symptoms, Shannon Young, RN, Manager of the Cardiac Rehab gym at Astria Heart Institute and Lori Bethay, RN, who oversees the Astria Heart Institute Diagnostic Center.
“This is an important event for Astria Heart Institute. We need to take action and shine a light on heart disease through awareness, education, and prevention. With one in three women dying of heart disease and stroke each year we can’t afford to sit back and remain silent on this issue. As an accredited chest pain and stroke center I feel that it is our responsibility to lead the way on education, prevention, treatment and care,” said Rich Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Astria Regional Medical Center and Astria Heart Institute.
Please note the event is sold out.
Astria Health, headquartered in the heart of the Yakima Valley in the state of Washington, is the largest non-profit healthcare system based in Eastern Washington. Astria Health is the parent non-profit organization of Astria Sunnyside Hospital in Sunnyside, Washington, Astria Regional Medical Center, Yakima, Washington and Astria Toppenish Hospital, Toppenish, Washington along with outpatient Astria Health Centers (14 medical clinics and 23 specialty clinics) conveniently located in towns and cities throughout the Region. Committed to investing in a continuum of care for the people who live and work throughout Eastern Washington, Astria Health’s goal is to build sustainable healthcare organizations that improve health in the communities we serve.
Posted January 31, 2018