Heart disease is the number one killer of women — and yet most of us still picture an older man clutching his chest when we think of a heart attack. That picture is wrong, and it is costing women their lives.

In this episode, Marina sits down with Brittany Morrison, philanthropic advisor, founder of B. Spoke Advisory, and women's cardiovascular health advocate, who had her first heart attack at 32 and her second on Mother's Day 2024. Brittany was active, healthy, eating well, and showing up fully for her life. She also spent years being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and sent home from emergency rooms. Her story is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for every woman listening.

This conversation is one of the most important ones we will have in the first season of The Exhale. Please share it with a woman you love - it can save a life.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Why women's heart attack symptoms look nothing like what we see in the movies — and the signs to watch for instead

The "worried woman" phenomenon: what happens when real cardiac events get dismissed as anxiety

Why women under 55 are seven times more likely to be sent home from the ER without proper cardiac testing (Journal of the American Heart Association)

How Brittany's two heart attacks were caused by two completely different conditions — a LAD blockage and coronary vasospasm — and why the second took years to diagnose

The unique cardiovascular risks that come with pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause that most women are never told about

Why microvascular disease is underdiagnosed and under studied in women

How to advocate for yourself in a medical setting — and why bringing a trusted friend to your appointments can change everything

The role of intuition in Brittany's journey, and what she learned about trusting her body


BRITTANY'S ACTION STEPS FOR WOMEN:

Know your numbers. Blood pressure averages, cholesterol, and blood sugar should be part of every annual well-woman exam.

Use exercise as your test. If you are struggling to work out in a new way, that is a signal worth investigating.

If you are being dismissed, find a new provider. You are not crazy.

Bring someone with you. A trusted friend or loved one can advocate for you when you are scared, overwhelmed, or not at your best.

Allow yourself to be cared for. You cannot do this alone, and asking for help is not weakness.

ABOUT BRITTANY:

Brittany is a visionary who believes everyone has the power and responsibility to make a positive impact. She does this through her work at B. Spoke Advisory, supporting her clients in delivering generosity strategically, uniquely, and purposefully in their local community. Additionally, she is a single mom and two-time heart attack survivor who is deeply passionate about health equity and advancing research for women's cardiovascular health.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Dr. Giessler — The Heart Center for Women, Austin, TX - heartcenterforwomen.com

FREE RESOURCES FROM MARINA:

Women Who Breathe community, courses, and live sessions: www.womenwhobreathe.com
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Follow Marina on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marina-kay

This episode is sponsored by Wizbe Genius Strips - caffeine-free focus strips designed by a neuroscientist for daily mental clarity. Get 15% off with code EXHALE15 at wizbe.com.