Women’s History Month is a chance to spotlight the contributions women have made to society while highlighting the challenges they still face. For the American Heart Association, Women’s History Month 2023, which took place in March, marked an opportunity to profile women who have made an impact in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease is responsible for 1 out of every 3 women’s deaths annually, more than any other condition. Sadly, women are less likely than men to receive CPR when experiencing a cardiac event in public, meaning some of these deaths are preventable.
In the wake of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s dramatic cardiac arrest in January and the life-saving CPR he subsequently received, the American Heart Association profiled two women whose lives were also saved by the timely administration of CPR.
Sharell Weeams
A 42-year-old Dallas business owner, Sharell Weeams collapsed in a hotel ballroom in November of 2021 while participating in a West Coast swing-dancing competition. Fortunately for her, three nurses were in attendance, one of whom was a friend, and together they performed CPR on her.
When Weeams didn’t respond, an onlooker retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED). The device shocked her heart back to life.
After being rushed to the hospital and spending the night, Weeams learned she had experienced both a cardiac arrest and a heart attack. She underwent a quadruple bypass to clear the extensive blockage in her arteries. Today, she advocates maintaining cardiovascular health, including the importance of exercise and staying informed about cholesterol levels.
Brittany Williams
Brittany Williams was a healthy 24-year-old when she collapsed in a New York City restaurant after experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. Two doctors who were sitting nearby started CPR, and when paramedics arrived minutes later, they used an AED to restart her heart.
Williams, who spent two days in a medically induced coma, was diagnosed with a heart condition known as Long QT syndrome. After having an internal defibrillator implanted in her chest, Williams recovered so well that her doctors asked her to speak with other people affected by cardiac arrest as a way to give them hope.
She did, and she has since gone on to become an advocate for CPR and heart health. She has even helped set the Guinness world record for the most participants in a CPR training session ever. She has also recorded public service announcements for the American Heart Association and even had the chance to meet with the doctors and first responders who saved her life.
Disclaimer: This website contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. This information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy or validity of any statements or information provided on this website. Do not rely on this information as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. You should seek immediate medical attention if you think you are suffering from a medical condition. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.