DaytonDailyNews.com

Dr. Susan Toole did everything right.

She exercised, she ate right and as a clinical psychologist, she knew the value of relaxation and stress reduction.

But in 1995, at age 40, Dr. Toole developed a serious heart problem. The next year, she underwent open-heart surgery to replace a damaged heart valve, later determined to be caused by a rare tumor.

"I was scared, of course, of the prospect of open-heart surgery," she said. "I thought it was quite horrible. Looking back on the experience, it affected me in a positive way. You look at life differently when you are close to death. You know there are important things left to do."

Heart disease is the biggest killer of women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Still, only 21 percent of women see heart disease as their greatest health threat, according to the group. February is American Heart Month.

After her surgery was completed, Toole was grateful for a body that functioned properly again and focused on the joy of using it.

After two months away from her practice, she regained her strength. At first, the triumphs were small. She remembers the first time she had enough strength to water her plants.

"Sometimes it's fun to do something because you can," she said.

Now the Kettering woman rollerblades, takes ballroom dancing lessons several times a week, kayaks, bicycles, skis and does yoga. Just as importantly, she relaxes.

"For those of you who are very busy, start with one minute a day of meditative relaxation, adding a minute each month," Toole said. "At the end of the year, you are meditating 12 minutes a day."

Back when she was undergoing heart surgery and other follow-up procedures, she said a strong support system at her son's school helped her family. Her son's fourth-grade teacher invited a cardiologist to class to talk about Toole's surgery.

The entire class sent her get-well cards while she was recovering.

Family history

Cheryl Slagle started having the symptoms of heart disease at age 46, just about the same age her mother was when she had a heart attack.

Slagle, a registered nurse who now is director of medical management at CareSource in Dayton, said she simply felt "crummy," was tired and felt some chest pain. A trip to the emergency room and a cardiologist telling her, "You're fine" allowed her to forget about it.

"I totally just ignored it," she said of her vague symptoms.

But two years later, she awoke to what she describes as feeling like her chest was being crushed. The next morning, she was diagnosed with coronary artery disease and a stent was placed in her arteries.

Knowing her mother's history of heart disease, Slagle had always exercised and eaten right. But her own diagnosis meant she became even more disciplined. A trip to a fast-food restaurant is extremely rare now and the most she'll eat is a small cheeseburger. Previously, as a runner, she ate a bit of red meat.

Before her diagnosis, her busy job or needs at home sometimes kept her from exercising. Now, she exercises every day.

She urges people — especially women — to know their numbers: weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. Additionally, they should know what they mean and how to improve them.

And if a diagnosis of heart disease comes, there are changes that can help significantly, she said.

"You can make it better," she said. "I will always have heart disease. You can't make it go away, but you can make it better."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2216 or kmargolis@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Heart disease poll

A poll of 2,000 adults showed many are worried about heart disease, but aren't doing anything about it.

65 percent of adults report they have one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

87 percent are at least somewhat concerned that they may develop heart disease.

37 percent have not had their cholesterol checked within the past year.

52 percent do not exercise regularly.

86 percent of women feel it is extremely or very important to raise awareness about heart disease, while 75 percent of men share that belief.

For more information, go to WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease at www.womenheart.org

Source: Harris Interactive poll