Susan Lucci, the iconic star of "All My Children," opens up about her terrifying "widow maker" heart attack scare in 2018. The actress shares how she ignored the warning signs, the moment she realized something was wrong, and the life-saving decision that ultimately spared her life.
Susan Lucci, the beloved "All My Children" soap opera icon, has been a vocal advocate for heart health awareness since experiencing a near-fatal cardiac event in 2018. In a recent interview with "Entertainment Tonight," the 77-year-old actress shared her harrowing experience and the lessons she has learned since then.
Lucci first experienced warning signs of a potential heart attack while waiting to be seated at a restaurant with her husband. "I felt a little bit of pressure on my chest," she recalled. "I had never felt that before." Dismissing it as holiday stress, she ignored the symptoms.
Susan Lucci's Heart Attack Scare: 'I Probably Wouldn't Have Gotten Up'
A couple of weeks later, the pressure returned, this time radiating around her rib cage to her back. Despite having no prior history of medical issues, Lucci again brushed off the symptoms, attributing them to an overly tight bra.
However, a subsequent scan revealed a devastating truth. Lucci had a 90% blockage in her main artery to her heart, a condition known as "the widowmaker." Had she not acted on her symptoms, she would have likely suffered a fatal heart attack.
Susan Lucci's Heart Attack Scare: 'I Probably Wouldn't Have Gotten Up'
"Doctors told me if I had gone to bed that evening, I probably wouldn't have gotten up," Lucci said.
Recognizing her fortunate escape, Lucci underwent surgery to insert two stents and has since become a passionate advocate for women's heart health. "My message for women is to listen to your body," she emphasized. "Always put yourself on your to-do list. We don’t even put ourselves on the list. I’m lucky I’m here to tell my story."
Susan Lucci's Heart Attack Scare: 'I Probably Wouldn't Have Gotten Up'
Lucci's story highlights the importance of recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack, especially in women. According to the American Heart Association, women often experience atypical symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, and radiating pain in the back, jaw, neck, or arms.
Since her experience, Lucci has become a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, using her platform to raise awareness about the silent killer that is heart disease. She has shared her story in numerous interviews, urging women to take their heart health seriously.
Susan Lucci's Heart Attack Scare: 'I Probably Wouldn't Have Gotten Up'
Lucci's journey serves as a reminder that even for those who appear healthy, heart disease remains a prevalent and potentially life-threatening condition. By listening to our bodies, acting on warning signs, and seeking medical attention promptly, we can increase our chances of surviving a cardiac event and living long, healthy lives.
