Today is Wear Red Day and has new meaning for me this year. I am a spontaneous coronary artery dissection/heart attack survivor. From November 1 to 8, 2011, I had not been feeling well: periods of extreme and unusual blood pressures (185/100, 182/112 and 190/120-stroke levels?), sweating, nausea, difficulty breathing, chest and arm pains, headaches, spots in my vision-classic symptoms. I was sent home from the emergency room twice and my own doctor’s office. Late night on November 9/early morning November 10, I had extreme chest pain and collapsed on my kitchen floor. Luckily my husband heard me and called 911. Paramedics and then the ER doctor confirmed, I was having a heart attack. I was transferred by ambulance to another hospital, where I had a cardiac cath. I have two stents and was diagnosed with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection of the LAD artery. The heart attack happened because the LAD artery collapsed, twisted and tore. I am told this is rare.
Thankfully, I am still here after having the greatest scare of my life. I'm adjusting to all the medication, making healthier food choices and exercising more. I still cannot believe that medical professionals dismissed my symptoms as stress and anxiety. I really feel failed by my family physician and twice by my local emergency room. I am a woman and was only 40 years old. I am not supposed to have these problems, but I did. 
I am very thankful for my husband, 911 dispatch, the paramedics, and the team of doctors and staff at the hospital I was transferred to. I literally owe them my life. 
I’m sharing my story in hope of preventing another from having to go through what I have. Please be kind to your heart, listen to your body, and know the warning signs and symptoms.