Jean Smart's Heart Procedure
- Actress Jean Smart, 71, underwent a “successful” heart procedure and urged her followers to “listen to your body” and talk to their own doctors about their own health. February is American Heart month.
- It’s unclear exactly what procedure Smart had, but her experience can inspire others to learn about the types of heart conditions people can be diagnosed with, including heart failure, which more than 6 million adults in the U.S. have, according to the CDC.
- Heart failure is a condition that causes the heart to not pump blood as well as it should. It does not mean that your heart has actually "failed" or stopped beating just that it is having some issues pumping blood. This leads to a back up of fluid in the body, and the organs in the body do not get as much blood as they need.
- Symptoms include weakness, difficulty breathing, racing heart, swelling, and nausea.
- Certain medical conditions, including other common heart conditions, can increase a person’s risk for heart failure, including high blood pressure, previous heart attack, diabetes, kidney disease and obesity.
The five-time Emmy Award-winner and mother of two, known for her role as Lana Gardner in the NBC sitcom “Fraiser,” took to social media to share the news and encourage her followers to be heart smart.
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Smart’s procedure comes just months after she opened up about how her own husband Richard Gilliland unexpectedly passed away from a heart condition at age 71 on March 18, 2021.
“It's shocking. You hear about it happening to other people all the time, but when it happens to you, it absolutely knocks you sideways,” she told Rolling Stone.
Although we are unsure what type of heart procedure Smart underwent, her experience can inspire others to learn about the types of heart conditions people can be diagnosed with, including heart failure, a condition that more than 6 million people in the U.S. have, according to the CDC.
What Is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is a condition that causes the heart to not pump blood as well as it should. It does not mean that your heart has actually "failed" or stopped beating; it's just that it is having some issues pumping blood. As a result, fluid backs up in the body, and the organs in the body do not get as much blood as they need.
The heart is the muscle at the center of your circulation system, pumping blood around your body as your heart beats. This blood sends oxygen and nutrients to all parts of your body, and carries away unwanted carbon dioxide and waste products.
When chronic heart failure lasts for a long period of time (typically, more than six months), it can impact organs like the kidneys, liver, and lungs.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Because heart failure can lead to many other health issues, it's important to be aware of symptoms. These may include:
- Weakness/tiredness.
- Feeling lightheaded/dizzy
- Difficulty breathing
- Racing heart/palpitations
- Lower limb swelling (specifically in the feet and ankles)
- Need to urinate while resting at night
- Dry, hacking cough
- Nausea
Symptoms of heart failure can range from mild to severe and may come and go. Unfortunately, heart failure usually gets worse over time. As it worsens, you may have more or different signs or symptoms.
Dr. Philip Weintraub, a private cardiologist in New York, tells SurvivorNet that a lot of the symptoms a person may experience have to do with the bloodstream lacking the amount of oxygen it needs. "The body [and] the heart work best when it's enriched with oxygen and nutrients and to deprive the heart of that leads to a compromised lifestyle," Dr. Weintraub said.
Heart Failure Causes
There are many different things that can cause or increase a person's risk of heart failure, including other common heart conditions, so there are some steps people can take to reduce their risk.
Certain medical conditions can increase a person's risk for heart failure, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Coronary artery disease (when major blood vessels that supply your heart become damaged or diseased)
- Previous heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Diabetes
- Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation)
- Kidney disease
- Obesity
- Tobacco and recreational drug use
Dr. Aeshita Dwivedi, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, tells SurvivorNet that simple lifestyle adjustments can be considered preventative measures.
"In terms of the lifestyle changes that can prevent heart failure is limiting excessive alcohol intake, quitting smoking or not smoking, leading a healthy lifestyle, which means doing constant, moderate activity, and eating a healthy diet," Dr. Dwivedi said.
Finding a Supportive Community Through Your Health Journey
Getting a community together is so important when you're experiencing life's challenges, like Smart.
Ovarian cancer fighter Beverly Reeves shared in an earlier interview how she thinks having a strong community during a health battle is critical.
She told SurvivorNet, "If I had one piece of advice for someone who had just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it would be to get a strong support group together. Get your close friends. If you're connected to a faith community, get your faith community."
'Faith, Family, and Friends' Helped Beverly Reeves Get Through Ovarian Cancer Treatment
"Get your family. Let them know what's going on and let them help you. And sometimes that's the most difficult thing to do, but just know that they are there. If they love you, they're there to help you,” she continued.
Grief Is a Journey
Losing a loved one for any reason can cause immeasurable pain. Allowing yourself the time and space to mourn is essential, and one place to start can be seeking out independent support resources such as therapy.
In an earlier interview with SurvivorNet, Camila Legaspi shared her own advice on grief after her mother died of breast cancer. For her, therapy made all the difference.
"Therapy Saved My Life": After Losing A Loved One, Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help
"Therapy saved my life," says Legaspi. "I was dealing with some really intense anxiety and depression at that point. It just changed my life, because I was so drained by all the negativity that was going on. Going to a therapist helped me realize that there was still so much out there for me, that I still had my family, that I still had my siblings."
"When you lose someone, it's really, really, really hard," says Legaspi. "I'm so happy that I talked to my therapist. Keep your chin up, and it's going to be OK. No matter what happens, it's going to be OK."
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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