Patty was 60 years old, healthy, and had no symptoms. But she also had a family tree filled with early heart attacks—grandmothers, aunts, and uncles who were taken too soon. She realized that “feeling okay” isn’t the same as “being okay.”

In our latest podcast episode, Patty shares why she decided to stop waiting for a symptom to appear and instead sought a baseline evaluation. You can listen to Patty’s full story here. For many women, heart health feels like something “earned” through lifestyle, a theme we explored in Eleanor’s journey from “model patient” to cardiac advocate.

For many women in The Villages® and Lake County, heart disease is a “silent” threat. Because these facts about heart disease show that 64% of women who die suddenly have no previous symptoms, you don’t have to be a victim of your family history. Like Patty, you can choose a different path.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for education only and does not replace medical advice. Seek emergency care for severe symptoms.