Learning Heart Health from My Mother

I’ve always aspired to resemble my mother. As a child, I admired her for knowing what to do and how to fix things. People naturally gravitated towards her. She has always been there for me before I even realized I needed help. She offers the same support to many others. My mom is like a superhero. Recently, I was reminded that she’s not impervious to harm.

The Event That Changed Everything

Last spring, just before Mother’s Day, I invited my mom to a work event focused on women’s heart health. I thought it would simply allow her to understand where I spend my days. Yet, it turned into something far more impactful.

Speakers at the event highlighted how women’s heart attack symptoms are often subtle and unexpected. When my mom woke up in December, experiencing pain in the roof of her mouth and overwhelming fatigue, she drew on what she learned at that event. Instead of going to work, she chose to visit the emergency room.

Doctors quickly realized she was experiencing a heart attack and rushed her into emergency surgery. Thankfully, she survived. Her decision that morning saved her life.

The Facts on Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. According to the American Heart Association, many women mistakenly attribute symptoms to acid reflux, the flu, or normal aging effects. While chest pain or pressure are common signs, many subtle symptoms exist. These include referred pain in the jaw or feelings similar to a toothache. For my mom, it was the pain in the roof of her mouth and relentless exhaustion that urged her to seek medical attention.

Reflecting on Fragility

Over the past few months, I’ve reflected on almost losing my mom in December. I didn’t lose her, not due to randomness or luck, but because she acted on the key information she learned about her heart health. Because she had awareness, she’s still with us for the ordinary, yet valuable moments we’ve shared.

Not everyone gets more time or another conversation. If sharing our story can give some moms a second chance, it’s worth telling.

The Importance of Awareness

Heart disease claims more women’s lives than all types of cancer combined. Yet, only 44% of women recognize it as the biggest health threat.

I’ve always wanted to be like my mom. If you take anything from our story, aspire to be like her. Learn the signs. Familiarize yourself with your family history. Most importantly, listen to your body even if it disrupts your daily life. I will certainly do so—for my kids, my family, and all moments that seem mundane until they become significant.

I once thought my mom was heroic because she seemed invincible. Now, I realize her strength lies in her humanity.

Kayla Kauffman is a Minneapolis-based mom employed by Medtronic, a global healthcare technology company. After her mother’s heart attack and recovery, she aims to motivate women to prioritize heart health.

All views in this article are the author’s own.

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