Susan Lucci finally discusses her cardiac concerns. The actress first experienced heart issues three years ago, but she just announced that she underwent another emergency cardiac surgery.

The 75-year-old actress discussed the treatment in an interview with Good Morning America. “I was getting a type of shortness of breath,” she explained. ‘This is insane,’ I thought.

“These are the exact symptoms I had three years ago, but they can’t be the same.’ When I lay down, though, I began to experience a strong coming-and-going pain in my jaw.”

Susan went to the ER on the advice of her doctor. She was examined and discovered to have an 80% blockage in one of her arteries. She needed another stent inserted to clear the impediment.

Dr. Richard Shlofmitz, chairman of cardiology at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, New York, commented to GMA about Susan’s condition, adding, “She wasn’t experiencing a heart attack this time, and she wasn’t unstable.  But she was exhibiting signs that made me think something was amiss.”

Susan was wise to recognize her symptoms, as they are often milder and more difficult to detect in women than in men. Her doctor warned her that if she had waited any longer, she could have suffered a serious heart attack.

Despite being more difficult to diagnose in women, heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. It is vital to understand the indications and symptoms.

Some heart issues do not have visible symptoms. It isn’t always accompanied by a scary chest clutch and a collapse to the floor. Some cardiac symptoms are not even felt in the chest, complicating diagnosis.

“If you’re not sure, get it checked out,” advises Charles Chambers, MD, director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute. This is especially true if you are 60 or older, obese, diabetic, have high cholesterol, or have high blood pressure.

There are some indicators you should be aware of…

Discomfort in the chest. It is the most common warning sign of a heart attack. Remember that if you have a clogged artery or are suffering a heart attack, you may experience chest pain, tightness, or pressure.

The sensation frequently lasts more than a few minutes. Take aware that it can happen while you’re sleeping or doing something physical.

Nausea/Irritable bowel syndrome/heartburn/stomach pain During a heart attack, some people experience these symptoms. Some might even vomit. Women are more likely than males to report this type of symptom.

So, if you’re feeling this way and are at risk for heart problems, contact a doctor to find out what’s wrong, especially if you have any of the other symptoms on this list.

Throat or jaw discomfort. A heart condition is unlikely to cause the pain in your throat or jaw. Muscular troubles, a cold, or sinus problems are more likely to be the cause.
However, if you have discomfort or pressure in the center of your chest that travels to your throat or jaw, you may be having a heart attack.

Pain that spreads to the arm, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, easily becoming weary, excessive snoring, sweating, swelling legs, feet, and ankles, and irregular heart beat are just a few of the many signs of heart issues to be aware of.