Serious as A Heart Attack
Those of you who know me know I don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t take drugs, don’t usually eat meat, work out on a regular basis, love hiking, used to be a ballet dancer, ran marathons, love yoga and Pilates, and so on. At one place they used to call me the “Tofu Queen”, and for about 15 years people have been making fun of the green shakes I drink, full of Chinese herbs and chlorophyl. I have massage therapy on a regular basis, eat loads of organic veggies and fruits, brown rice, and beets. I do 3-5 days of fasting every month. I work hard, but I am no longer the adrenalin-junkie I was for three decades. My work is rewarding, my volunteer work is amazingly fun, and my spiritual life is one great adventure after another. Life is fun and abundant.
Last week, I had a heart attack. Go figure. The fact is, stuff happens. With a current cholesterol of 122, I still have coronary artery disease, and angina attacks. I now wear a notroglycerin patch every day and take 5 or 6 prescriptions to control the disease.
So, what now? Many people have said that after a heart attack, they changed their whole life. They re-prioritized things, they started taking better care of themselves, etc. What would you do differently if you got a second chance? I think it’s a legitimate question for all of us in business. Who would take over for you? What would you do if you couldn’t work anymore? What activities would you start, or stop doing?
Honestly, I don’t think I will make very many dramatic changes. But here are some changes I will make:
- I will say “NO” to more things people ask me to do.
- I will always carry a bottle of nitroglycerin around with me to cover those episodes that the patch isn’t adequate for.
- Obviously, I will take more prescription drugs. And I will remember to take them religiously.
- I will remember (again) that life is very short, and delicate. After being widowed in my early 40’s, I learned that lesson, and when my daddy was diagnosed with Alzheimers I was reminded again, and three weeks ago when Bob Bradbury took his heavenly assignment, I was reminded again. Last Wednesday when the paramedics picked me up to take me to the hospital, I was reminded yet another time.
- I will not put off telling someone how special they are to me. Often, there is no “later”.
Think NOW about how you can avoid a plate full of regrets later in life. I’m serious as a: 
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the “movie heart attack,” where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
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Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
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Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
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Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
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Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Tags: Contingency Plan, Coronary Artery Disease, Executive Coach, Executive Health, Executive pERFORMANCE cOACHING, Executive Wellness, Heart Attack, Succession Plan
