Heart Attack Survivor Shares Story to Help Americans Enjoy Healthy Holidays
Six years ago, the stress and the rush associated with the end of the year sent Marietta Wagner to the hospital with chest pain, numbness in the arm and shortness of breath.
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December 18, 2009
Six years ago, the stress and the rush associated with the end of the year sent Marietta Wagner to the hospital with chest pain, numbness in the arm and shortness of breath. She was subsequently diagnosed with a heart attack but fortunately survived.
Wagner recently appeared on Dr. Oz television program to talk about how her husband's insistence led her to seek medical attention for symptoms which she wanted to ignore. The woman also revealed that since 2003 she has had two additional smaller heart attacks and a triple bypass open heart surgery, according to MyFox8.com.
However, determined to thrive and turn the adversity into an opportunity, the 32-year-old started a support group in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and works to remind people that holiday stress and seasonal depression are among the main reasons people have heart attacks at this time of the year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 15 percent of Americans may be suffering from depression, and women are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with the condition than men.
As depression has been shown to increase the risk of not just cardiovascular diseases but also diabetes, obesity and substance abuse, experts have recommended ways to deal with the affliction. They include proper diet, exercise, taking time out for fun and relaxation, avoiding overworking and saving time to do enjoyable things.
Sometimes depression may stem from a chemical malfunctioning in the brain, and in such cases individuals are advised to seek the help of a mental health professional.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, which also accepts donations, may be able to help survivors live thriving and fulfilling lives.
Six years ago, the stress and the rush associated with the end of the year sent Marietta Wagner to the hospital with chest pain, numbness in the arm and shortness of breath. She was subsequently diagnosed with a heart attack but fortunately survived.
Wagner recently appeared on Dr. Oz television program to talk about how her husband's insistence led her to seek medical attention for symptoms which she wanted to ignore. The woman also revealed that since 2003 she has had two additional smaller heart attacks and a triple bypass open heart surgery, according to MyFox8.com.
However, determined to thrive and turn the adversity into an opportunity, the 32-year-old started a support group in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and works to remind people that holiday stress and seasonal depression are among the main reasons people have heart attacks at this time of the year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 15 percent of Americans may be suffering from depression, and women are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with the condition than men.
As depression has been shown to increase the risk of not just cardiovascular diseases but also diabetes, obesity and substance abuse, experts have recommended ways to deal with the affliction. They include proper diet, exercise, taking time out for fun and relaxation, avoiding overworking and saving time to do enjoyable things.
Sometimes depression may stem from a chemical malfunctioning in the brain, and in such cases individuals are advised to seek the help of a mental health professional.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, which also accepts donations, may be able to help survivors live thriving and fulfilling lives.
