Denise Warner, a 57-year-old American living in London, survived a heart attack last year after recalling unusual symptoms. She expressed gratitude towards comedian Rosie O’Donnell, whose awareness campaign helped her recognize the danger.
Warner shared her experience with Newsweek, describing how she noticed tingling in her arms and hands while watching TV. Initially, she attributed these sensations to carpal tunnel syndrome. As the symptoms persisted, they intensified to a feeling of chest constriction. Unlike typical depictions of heart attacks, she experienced neither sharp chest pain nor breathlessness. However, she started feeling warm and unexpectedly vomited, prompting her to recall O’Donnell’s advice.
Rosie O’Donnell, who had a heart attack in 2012, uses the acronym HEPPP to identify heart attack symptoms in women: Hot, exhausted, pain, pale, and puke. Warner had seen O’Donnell discuss this and it clicked when she felt sick suddenly.
“That was the moment I realized something serious was happening,” Warner said.
Her wife Jem rushed her to the hospital where doctors confirmed a significant cardiac event. An angioplasty was performed, expanding the artery to improve blood flow. Throughout recovery, Warner mentioned O’Donnell’s mnemonic to healthcare professionals.
Many people, like Warner, initially dismiss heart attack symptoms as something less severe due to their subtlety. Common indicators include chest pain radiating to other areas, shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Warner expressed gratitude to O’Donnell, who responded immediately. She described O’Donnell as “open, honest, and kind.”
If you have questions or concerns regarding heart health, contact [email protected] for expert advice. Warner’s awareness story reminds us of the importance of recognizing diverse heart attack symptoms in women.
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