Susan Lucci: What are the signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease?

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Susan Lucci's recent heart surgery has doctors reiterating the importance of listening to your body and seeking medical help if anything feels out of the ordinary.

In an interview with CBS News, Lucci revealed she recently underwent emergency heart surgery for the second time. The 75-year-old actress sought medical attention after noticing familiar signs and symptoms that she first experienced when she had her first heart issues three years ago.

The former “All My Children” star says she knew something was wrong when she was having shortness of breath and a sharp pain in her jaw. When Lucci called her doctor, she was told to get to an emergency room as soon as possible. She later learned that one of her arteries was 80 per cent blocked due to plaque build up and required surgery.

Lucci says she’s grateful she didn’t put off getting help because the outcome could’ve been much worse.

Experts recommend hyper-vigilance when it comes to your health and to watch for symptoms that could point to a serious issue.

What is coronary artery disease?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventio (CDC), coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. The plaque can consist of cholesterol, calcium and other fatty substances. Coronary artery disease, also known as coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease, is considered the leading cause of death for women in both Canada and the United States

Over time the buildup causes the narrowing of the arteries, which blocks the flow of blood and can lead to a heart attack.

Coronary artery disease happens in everyone, but the rate at which it occurs varies from person to person.

What are the warning signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease?

As your arteries narrow from the buildup of plaque, you may notice mild symptoms that could mean your heart is working harder to deliver blood to the rest of your body. One symptom of coronary artery disease that people often experience is feeling short of breath after completing simple day-to-day activities like climbing the stairs.

However, some people won't notice any symptoms of coronary artery disease until they have a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack to look out for include include angina (chest discomfort), dizziness, nausea, weakness and cold sweats.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are several symptoms of a heart attack for women that may seem slightly different. Women can experience pain or discomfort in their shoulders, neck, abdomen or back as well as feelings of indigestion, heartburn and unexplained anxiety.

In Lucci's case, she says she experienced a pain in her jaw, discomfort around her ribcage and back in addition to shortness of breath.

Women are at greater risk of heart disease after menopause

While men may be more commonly associated with heart disease and heart attacks, women are at just great of a risk of experiencing a cardiac event. However, that risk comes later in life.

Dr. Sonia Anand, a member of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, says women play catch-up to men following the loss of endogenous estrogen, which happens during menopause.

“Women develop more central adipose tissue or fat and cholesterol goes up, risk of diabetes goes up and blood pressure goes. By the time women reach age 60, their risk of coronary artery disease is similar to that of men,” the professor of medicine and epidemiology at McMaster University tells Yahoo Canada.

Research shows 80 per cent of women ages 40 to 60 have one or more risk factors for coronary heart disease.

Cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, family history and obesity are the most common risk factors related to heart disease. Psycho-social stress, limited physical activity, and diet are also high on the list.

Is it possible for someone who is slim and fit to suffer from heart disease?

When it comes to cardiovascular health, people who tend to weigh more are generally at an increased risk of coronary artery disease. However, anyone can experience coronary heart disease, even someone who presents as thin or slim.

Lucci is known for her petite frame, so it may surprise people that she’s suffered heart problems that ultimately led to emergency surgeries.

In an interview with Closer Weekly last month, the actress disclosed that she does frequent pilates workouts and eats a mediterranean diet, which is based on fresh vegetables, fruit and fish.

Anand says that when it comes to cardiovascular disease, a healthy lifestyle isn’t always enough, and it's a misconception to assume people who are slim or thin don’t get heart disease.

“It’s your fat, amount of adipose tissue that even thin people can have that is a risk factor— it’s not body mass index per say […] we measure fat in a different way,” Anand explains. “You can be a smaller build, but when you subject yourself to a body fat measurement you can still have higher body fat.”

Why do people experience multiple blockages over the years?

Lucci’s first heart procedure was three years ago, when she was 72. That’s why the soap actress says she was surprised when she started experiencing similar symptoms again three years later.

According to Anand, doctors will often take an “aggressive medical approach” when it comes to treatment after someone has a heart procedure.

As for why somebody would develop a blockage in their arteries for a second time, Anand says there are a number of possibilities.

“We look at the medications they were taking, we look at the technical issues of opening up the arteries for the first time – was there any challenge doing that?” Anand says. “Some women have smaller arteries or diabetics may have restenosis or re-occlusion more commonly than non-diabetics and then the third component we look at would be are there any genetic factors.”

In Lucci’s case, family history was her biggest risk factor. The actress’s father suffered a heart attack at the age of 40 and had arteriosclerosis, which happens when your blood vessels become thick and stiff, causing restricted blood flow to your organs.

What can you do to prevent coronary artery disease?

While doctors will often prescribe medications and procedures for patients, lifestyle changes can also be beneficial to preventing coronary artery disease.

Anand recommends “everything in moderation,” meaning a healthy, active lifestyle with regular physical activity and a diet consisting of mostly unprocessed foods. Quitting smoking is also advised.

Listening to your body and paying attention to unusual pain is another important takeaway from Lucci’s story.

In several media interviews, the actress says she is sharing her story to mark National Heart Health Month and to encourage women to seek medical as soon as they start feeling any symptoms.

According to Anand, studies have shown women, more so than men, often delay getting help for several reasons.

“They’re [women are] often more likely to minimize their own symptoms and say it’s probably nothing or I’ve got to take care of my kids and husband and delay going in to seek medical attention,” Anand says. “Be hyper-vigilant as a patient and if something changes and you have different symptoms, you definitely should go in to get checked.”

Looking for more of the best deals, latest celebrity news and hottest trends? Sign up for Yahoo Lifestyle Canada’s newsletter!