Amy M. of Aberdeen, Washington, shares her story: I was 44 years old when I started having chest pressure while walking up hills, or just walking across the street. After being referred to a local "specialist," I was told "women just breathe differently from men when exercising,” and if it didn’t get any better in a month we could do a treadmill test. A week later, I just couldn't take it any more so I made an appointment with a cardiologist from Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA. After learning my history (my father passed away from heart disease in his late 30's), he ordered an angiogram later in the week. After the test, I was told I would have to have an angioplasty the next day due to two blocked arteries. But the next day we learned a small flap had developed in the artery in my groin and the procedure had to wait a week. After the angiogram I was told it worked in 80 percent of patients, and I started cardiac rehabilitation the following week. Six weeks later I started having chest pressure again. The doctor did a procedure that week, doing a "roto rooter" and placing several stents. I was told this worked on 90 percent of patients. Back to rehab! Eight weeks later, we were having a Super Bowl party when I experienced more chest pressure, so we went to the local hospital emergency room. I was sent the 100 miles to Swedish Hospital in an ambulance. The next morning I had triple bypass surgery. It will be nine years on February 1 since the surgery, and I feel great. Please listen to your body first. If you feel something isn't right, follow up with a second opinion. I am glad I did. << BACK