Woman shares her heart health story

Chess Severyn-Parrish of Napier is trying to get people to be aware of heart attacks after she suffered a significant heart event last year. Photo / Warren Buckland.

A Napier woman has turned her life around and is encouraging others to do the same after going through a significant heart event.

Chess Severyn-Parrish was overweight, had high blood pressure, had type two diabetes and smoked when she was struck with a sharp pain in her chest.

"I thought it was just a muscle strain but because it had happened earlier that year I decided to pay my GP a visit."

After carrying out various tests the doctors came back and said she had suffered a significant heart event.

The 46 year-old was left shocked.

She had a stent inserted to open up the blocked artery allowing the blood to flow to her heart normally.

One year on, Ms Severyn-Parrish has worked hard to turn her life around.

She took her prescribed medication, quit smoking and improved her diet.

With a desire to help others she turned to action and started a women's fitness group called Wahines with Attitude.

"Through this group I've been able to receive and offer support. Enjoying that team spirit has helped me feel motivated and have fun, while doing something positive for my body."

Ms Severyn-Parrish is going to share her heart journey with others at an inaugural Heart Foundation information evening as she wants people to be more aware of heart attacks.

According to the Hawke's Bay District Health Board's latest Health Equity update, heart attacks are the top cause of avoidable deaths in the region.

Maori are four times more likely to have a heart attack than non-Maori while Pacific people are three times more likely to have a heart attack than non-Pacific people.

Heart Foundation heart health advocate Hawke's Bay Audrey Tolua said Ms Severyn-Parrish was an amazing lady who was passionate about making change.

"It is incredible the way she has turned her life around and now wants to do the same for others."

The evening is on December 14 from 5pm and includes speeches from Heart Foundation medical director Dr Gerry Devlin, Hawke's Bay District Health Board clinical pharmacist Claire Fraser and dietician Stacey Edwards.

Dr Devlin will talk about heart attack symptoms and awareness, the difference between heart attack and angina and the role of family members and caregivers.

Ms Fraser and Ms Edwards will present the latest information on medication and heart-healthy eating.

Ms Tolua said this was the first time they had done an information evening like this but she hoped it would be the start of many.

The meeting is at the Takarangi Conference Room, Heretaunga Park Te Taiwhenua O Heretaunga Park, 821 Orchard Road.

For further information or to register, contact audreyt@heartfoundation.org.nz or phone 06 833 7446.