Tiny Township woman survives heart attack, changes life
Marg Raynor is lucky to be alive.
The 72-year-old retired teacher suffered a heart attack eight years ago. It was properly diagnosed and she received angioplasty and a pacemaker in quick order.
That’s unusual.
According to the Heart & Stroke 2018 Heart Report entitled Ms. Understood, early heart attack signs were missed in 78 per cent of women.
Heart disease is the leading cause of premature death for women in Canada. In fact, every 20 minutes, a woman in Canada dies from heart disease.
“Too many women are unnecessarily suffering and dying from heart disease,” reads the opening statement of the report.
“They have been left behind because they are under-researched, under-diagnosed, under-treated and under-supported during recovery,” reads the second sentence.
Raynor, who is known in the community as a singer, guitarist, had no chest pain during her heart attacks.
“It was a sudden back ache. It was just a deep ache,” she said.
The first time it happened, she went and laid down, took some Tylenol and a hot bath. Days later it happened again with an added symptom.
“I had tingling and throbbing down my left arm.”
“I thought if I want to see my children and grandchildren grow up, I’d better go to hospital.”
Her husband drove her to Georgian Bay General Hospital and she sat in the regular emergency section with people with colds and flu.
Through tests she was diagnosed and immediately to Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket where she got an emergency angioplasty with a stent.
“I was told I’d had two heart attacks and that I had 60 per cent damage to my heart.”
She got a pacemaker.
Upon reflection and research Raynor figures that it was brought on by stress combined with extensive dental work (root canals and infections) and a fungus infection.
She decided to take ownership of her new condition and follow her daughter’s advice: “Mom be gentle with your heart.”
Raynor said she had to change her philosophy from “getting it done” mode.
“I had to learn to tell a different story. If I’m sweating, I sit down or have a nap. I’m learning how to pace myself,” said Raynor, adding that she’s still active in the community.
“I’m letting myself go with the flow more, smelling the roses a little bit more.”
She sees her new philosophy in her garden. Her formerly manicured garden has wildflowers.
“Now I’ve got Monarchs,” she said.
The need for more research into women’s heart health prompted Cathy Hartley to organize the Women Have Heart Golf Tournament taking place on Sunday, Aug. 19 at Orr Lake Golf Club. All the funds raised from the event, which includes heart health education, will be directed to women’s heart research.
To register for the tournament, go to the website: and search Go Red Women or call .
For more information about heart facts go to the website
For a telling video starring Elizabeth Banks, go to YouTube’s presentation of Just a Little Heart Attack.