Brenda Fitzgerald from the UPMC Chautauqua WCA Heart Center discusses heart disease, stroke and SCAD at a recent Zonta Club meeting.

February is heart month and the Zonta Club of Jamestown recently learned much more about women’s heart health as the club welcomed guest speaker, Brenda Fitzgerald from the UPMC Chautauqua WCA Heart Center.

During her speech, Fitzgerald reminded the group that heart disease is the most common cause of death for women, surpassing all other health issues because of its silent symptoms. Fitzgerald warned that often women have no idea they are having a heart attack because symptoms manifest in different ways from which most people are familiar. Pain associated with a heart attack can come from the abdomen, side or back. Women feel weak, out of breath, have trouble concentrating. Fitzgerald said it is a good idea to consult with a doctor and regular checkups are the most important thing women can do for their health.

During the question-and-answer portion of the program, Zonta members were surprised to learn that one of their members, Bonnie Rappole, suffers from heart disease. “After facing the mental and physical challenges of finding out I had heart disease, and never being able to find a support group, I decided to try and start one,” Rappole said. The group, Sisters of the Heart, meets at least once a month for breakfast or lunch and shares their thoughts, concerns and friendship.

Zonta Club is comprised of executives and professionals working together to empower women through service and advocacy. Zonta not only supports programs in the community designed to empower women and girls, members also discuss issues effecting women at regular meetings.

For more information, visit ZontaJamestown.org. For more information about Sisters of the Heart, email bonnierappole@hotmail.com.