HEART Smart Centre, located in Montego Bay, had a Go Red campaign in February (Heart Month) dedicated to raising awareness about women’s heart health. The campaign was inspired by Wear Red Day & Go Red for Women, both American Heart Association initiatives.

Heart Smart’s awareness campaign introduced ‘Red Dress Ambassadors’ — four women who have been diagnosed with and are living with heart disease. They shared their heart journey to help make heart disease and its treatment relatable — from recognising symptoms of heart disease to imparting feelings of hope to those who may have been diagnosed but are fearful to undergo surgery or any procedure that has been recommended as part of their care programme.

The Red Dress Ambassadors, Class of 2022, have been sharing the symptoms that led to their diagnosis, the impact of the diagnosis and treatment, and the experience of living with a heart condition, in a bid to drive others to action.

Here is Venetta’s Smith-Bowen’ story:

“My name is Venetta and I am 45 years old. I was 33 when I was diagnosed with this heart condition. I was feeling a pain in my chest, thought it was gas or something like that, so I went to the doctor. After he examined me he told me I should do a electrocardiogram, which I did, and he told me that there was something abnormal about my heart and gave me a referral to do an echocardiogram. I did the echocardiogram, which showed I had a leaking valve.

I started getting treatment for this condition. The doctor also told me it wouldn’t stop the leaking but it would slow it down, and I should consider doing surgery to replace the valve in years to come.

I was not thinking about surgery because I was just living my normal life. I always told myself I was afraid and I was not going to do any surgery. As the years went by I started having shortness of breath, palpitation, and even weakness at times, but I still wasn’t thinking of doing surgery.

I eventually went on vacation overseas and got sick there. My sister took me to the emergency room and they did some tests and I was admitted to hospital. I passed out whilst in the hospital and I was rushed to the operating room where I underwent emergency surgery. I spent about eight days in the intensive care unit.

Since doing the surgery I am feeling much better and there is no shortness of breath, no more pain, and no weakness in my body.

I have changed my diet, I walk in the mornings, take my medications prescribed by the doctor, and try not to worry about anything. I would encourage women to get checked if they are feeling any unusual pain. Don’t sit back, and don’t be afraid to know what is happening in your body. The earlier you find out, the better.”