The recent and unexpected passing of Denise D’Ascenzo, longtime anchor at WFSB Channel 3, left many people wondering how someone so seemingly healthy could die so suddenly.

To viewers and friends, she was the picture of good health. She also covered medical news with great interest on Channel 3, partnered with Hartford HealthCare on its weekly “Medical Rounds” show and was known as the “staff nurse” for colleagues at the station.

While her cause of death has not yet been confirmed, her family believes she suffered a heart attack. This has started a conversation on women’s health, and in particular, heart health.

Dr. Heather Swales, director of the Women’s Heart Wellness Center at The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain, notes the importance for women to see their doctor regularly and get screened for risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. But Dr. Swales says it’s equally imperative for women to know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

A heart attack occurs when there is a sudden blockage in the arteries that transport blood and oxygen to the heart. With several arteries supplying blood to the heart, the heart may be strong enough to keep beating, but in some instances, it is deadly.

When asked if a woman can have a heart attack and not know it, Dr. Swales says that it is possible.

“Both men and women can have so-called silent heart attacks,” she says. “The symptoms can be subtle, so that they are missed. Women are more likely than men to die suddenly from heart disease and are more likely than men to have no symptoms before sudden death.”

During a heart attack, a person may experience pressure or tightness in the chest, with discomfort radiating to the neck, jaw, or back. Women are more likely to have other symptoms such as shortness of breath, indigestion, nausea, and sweating, and their symptoms can be milder.

“These are all signs that your heart is trying to tell you something,” says Dr. Swales.

Being mindful of your body is important in recognizing symptoms of heart attack. If the symptoms are not subsiding – you’re taking more antacids for heartburn or indigestion – and your symptoms keep recurring, call your doctor and get in for a visit. A trip to urgent care may also be in order to address the symptoms quickly.

Dr. Swales notes that most heart attack victims have at least one cardiac risk factor.

It’s important to know that 70 to 80 percent of heart disease is preventable. Exercise, healthy food choices, and not smoking are just a few things people can do to reduce their risk of heart attack.

And if you suspect you might be having a heart attack? Dr. Swales says, “Imagine your neighbor, friend, or loved one was having symptoms. What would you do? You’d call 9-1-1.”

If you are experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to visit the doctor. There should be no shame in getting a doctor’s opinion.

“I get great pleasure in telling a patient, ‘You don’t need me,’” says Dr. Swales. “Nothing is better than letting a patient know that their symptoms are not concerning. By keeping the lines of communication open, we can improve the quality and longevity of their life.”

For more information on women’s heart health, click here. 

For more information, including a downloadable guide, about abnormal heart rhythms, click here.