It’s the number one killer of women in America. It is heart disease. One Roanoke woman found out and survived to tell her story.

Patty Maze was at her Roanoke home when it happened. “It kind of started out as indigestion or what I thought was indigestion,” Maze said. “Within probably 15 minutes I started having the elephant on the chest like I had a hippopotamus on my back. That’s how bad it was. It was very severe.”

Maze was having a heart attack.  She called 911 and told the dispatcher she was dying. Maze had the sense to unlock both her front and back door just in case she was unconscious when paramedics arrived.

That was last October. Maze was just 56 years old. “I’ve been told by several doctors that I’m a miracle,” Maze said. She credits the quick work of Roanoke paramedic John Dickson for saving her life.

Now four months later as she cycles and walks on the treadmill at the Lewis Gale Cardiac Rehab center, Maze explains her story to other women.  She admits she ignored many risk factors. She not only had a family history of heart troubles, she had also been told she had high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

“I was one of those women who said I’ll exercise. I’ll lose weight. I’ll do this on my own and I won’t take medicine,” Maze said.  “I had so much going against me and I just didn’t pay attention to those warning signs.”

Cardiologist Doctor Richard Prokopchak has been keeping track of Maze’s progress.  He said one of the biggest warning signs of heart trouble is feeling discomfort or a tightness or heaviness in the chest during physical activity that goes away once the person stops.

When the person exerts themselves again, it comes back.  “Those are very serous warning symptoms,” Prokopchak said.

Symptoms of an actual heart attack for women include chest discomfort just as most men experience,  but women may have other associated symptoms.”Sometimes some jaw symptoms, sometimes some  arm symptoms, often some shortness of breath, sometimes some back discomfort,” Dr. Prokopchak said.

Now Patty Maze doesn’t miss her medication. her blood pressure is in check and she feels like she has a new lease on life.  “I have been given a second chance. My attitude has changed. I’m happier. I enjoy things more,” Maze said.  “I feel good.”