Heart disease kills more than 350,000 American women each year. That’s more than nearly any other disease or illness. The National Center on Health Statistics: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute estimates that 8 million women are now living with heart disease—many of whom don’t realize it.

Lancaster General Heart Center wants women to understand their risk so they can take steps to limit their chances of developing heart disease. Although not all heart disease is preventable—some heart problems are hereditary or are present since birth—you can reduce your chances of developing other contributing factors.

Jennifer Meadows and Virginia Vreeland are two women who understand the importance of diagnosis and testing. Both turned to the Heart Center for support and care during their personal journeys to overcome heart problems.

Only 29 years old, Jennifer is the picture of good health. A cardiac care registered nurse at Lancaster General Hospital, she has spent more than six years specializing in caring for cardiac patients.

Two years ago, Jennifer suddenly found herself on the receiving end of nursing care. After she passed out unexpectedly while at work, she consulted with a cardiologist who diagnosed her with an anomaly in her right coronary artery. This condition restricted blood flow to her heart and could have potentially been life-threatening. Thinking back, Jennifer realized her body had probably been giving her subtle clues for years.

“Sometimes working out at the gym I would feel light-headed, but I just thought that maybe I needed to drink more water or maybe I overdid it that day,” she says.

Her doctors tried medications first, but when they weren’t having the desired effect, she had open heart surgery.

“I knew I could get through the surgery, but I didn’t know how tough it was going to be,” she says. “Fortunately, my patients had taught me so much over the years. Their experiences helped to give me the physical and emotional strength I needed.”

Following surgery, Jennifer went through the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at the Lancaster General Health Campus. Their team of therapists helped her heal physically and emotionally.

“Surgery gave me my life back,” Jennifer says. “I have no restrictions and my activity tolerance is the best it’s ever been.”

Jennifer’s experience taught her several lessons, including how important it is for women to take care of themselves. “Listen to your body. Find a physician you trust and make sure you know your blood pressure and cholesterol levels,” she says. “Get routine physical exams and risk factor screening. Learn as much as you can about heart health, stress management, diet and exercise. Take control of the risk factors you can change.”

Virginia couldn’t agree more. At 82 years of age, Virginia had previously only been to a hospital to give birth to her children. But early in 2004, she developed pneumonia and spent several days at Lancaster General Hospital. While in the hospital, doctors found she had a faulty aortic valve. Because she was in relatively good health, they suggested she have open heart surgery to have the valve replaced. 

“If I hadn’t had the valve replaced, doctors said it would eventually make my heart beat faster and weaken my heart,” Virginia explains.

She underwent surgery in September 2004 and was back on her feet within weeks.

“I think I have more energy than before the surgery,” she says. That’s a good thing—considering her busy schedule that includes working at a local accounting and legal office and walking 45 minutes a day.

As was the case with Jennifer, Virginia’s experience taught her to pay even closer attention to her health.