Wearing red in the fight against heart disease, Houston Healthcare hosts “Go Red! Luncheon”

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement works to save women’s lives and beat heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. The month of February is recognized as American Heart Month, and Houston Healthcare kicked off the month by hosting its annual Go Red for Women Luncheon Thursday.

More than 120 people were present for the luncheon that was held at the new Cary W. Martin Conference Center located inside of the Houston Healthcare Pavilion. During the luncheon Glenda Ridley shared her experience of having a heart attack.

“It was the scariest time in my life,” said Ridley. “But I’m here to tell you that it’s important to listen to your body. Don’t be stubborn and hard headed like me.”

Ridley said her heart attack occurred after she retired from more than 30 years as a teacher. She described an awful pain coming over her one night and not being able to breathe. When Ridley first felt that pain she did not call 911.

“I live by myself, and that night I just thought it would go away,” said Ridley. “Well, it happened again, and that’s when I knew to go to the doctor.”

Ridley also experienced a case of Bell’s palsy and had to have a stint placed in her heart. She said she is grateful to all the doctors who helped her.

“My mother died of a heart attack at 56, and while going through this I kept saying, ‘I can’t die yet, I have much more to accomplish.’ Thankfully my doctors took really good care of me and still today. Please take the right steps, and if something happens don’t hesitate go straight to the hospital.”

After Ridley shared her experience, a panel of doctors held a discussion of how to prevent heart disease. The panel consisted of Dr. Madalyn Davidoff, Dr. Rahil Kazi, and Dr. Aamer Shabbir. All are cardiologists and members of the Houston Healthcare’s medical staff.

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