Cynthia Wynn survived a heart attack at age 52.

DPH business operations specialist Cynthia Wynn's family history has been at the forefront of her thoughts since she was a teen.

 

"I was 19 years old when my father died of a heart attack." Wynn said. "I was always afraid that I would have a heart attack like my father at age 42. Once I turned 42, I wondered how much longer I would live."

 

She grew up eating fried foods and continued to eat that way as an adult. Adding to that a sedentary lifestyle, Wynn developed high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and weight gain over time.

 

Wynn, third from left, looks forward to family gatherings where she shares her story and how she is improving her health.

"Both the risk of heart disease and risk factors for heart disease are strongly linked to family history," said William Kraus, M.D., a preventive cardiologist and research scientist at Duke University, in an American Heart Association article. "You can't counteract your genetics. So if you have a history you must do what you can to change your environment."

 

What Wynn dreaded most eventually came true at age 52.

 

"While out shopping one afternoon, I felt faint, lightheaded and nauseated," Wynn said. "I could barely walk."

 

She walked to a nearby pharmacy to take her blood pressure. With a systolic reading (top number) of 190, she was in a hypertensive crisis and needed emergency care. Along with severe back pain, she had all the warning signs of a heart attack, according to the American Heart Association.

 

"I knew that reading was extremely high for me," Wynn said. "I cannot remember the bottom number. My top number was usually around 120 or less, which was a good blood pressure for me."

 

Wynn drove one mile to her house and took her blood pressure medicine. She began feeling worse and finally called 911. She also called her cousin to stay on the phone until the paramedics arrived.

 

"I do recall the ER doctors drawing my blood and conducting several EKGs to monitor my heart," Wynn said. "I was in the intensive care unit (ICU) for five days until I could get my blood pressure under control."

 

Wynn's cardiologist confirmed high blood pressure, diet and lack of exercise all contributed to her heart attack, along with a family history of cardiovascular disease. At the time of her heart attack, she was eating fried seafood at least four times a week, especially shrimp, which elevated her cholesterol.

 

Prior to her heart attack, Wynn had begun trying to address her risk factors by losing 60 pounds, which helped her survive, but there is still more work to do. At 5'8'' and 174 pounds, Wynn is overweight for her height and size according to the body mass index (BMI) chart from insurer United Healthcare. Once a month, she receives coaching from a United Healthcare's wellness health coach to discuss wise food choices.

 

"The last 10 months since my heart attack have changed my life," Wynn said. "I have dropped 15 more pounds and I am taking half of the high blood pressure medications that I needed before the heart attack. With my wellness coach, I can ask questions and I do not feel alone in this process."

 

She now eats turkey bacon and takes time to prepare or order grilled, baked or steamed vegetables and meats. She also seasons her food with herbs rather than salt. Wynn is not as active as recommended yet, but has a goal to attend exercise classes and walk at least 30 minutes a day.

 

"It is a challenge everyday trying to maintain excellent health," Wynn said. "But it is worth every heartbeat of my life."