'Just A Little Heart Attack': PSA Sheds Light On The Number One Killer Of Women

Heart disease kills more American women than all forms of cancer combined, according to the American Heart Association. To shine a spotlight on this important women's health issue, Emmy-nominated actress Elizabeth Banks has teamed up with the AHA to direct and star in a comedic PSA called "Just a Little Heart Attack," about a busy mom who takes care of everyone but herself.

"While the film is funny, having a heart attack is not something to be laughed at," Banks said in a press release. "However, I'm using humor to help uncover the truth about heart disease, to get people interested in learning more about their hearts -- and our movement."

Banks has a personal history with heart disease -- her father had a congenital heart condition that required surgery when she was 21, but "I didn't really think of this as a woman's disease," she told ETonline.

That may be true for many women because of a general lack of understanding of the sex differences in heart attacks. While men often experience the "classic" symptom of chest pain, women's top symptoms are usually shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, dizziness and nausea, according to the Harvard Medical School.

Watch the video above and let us know what you think about Banks' approach to raising awareness in the comments below. Can you relate?

Comments

[HVHeartAssoc]

12:40 PM on 02/22/2012

I think thousands of women can relate to what happens in this video with Elizabeth Banks. Here are the stories of four real women who experienced similar symptoms. ow.ly/92xXB

Women should learn more about their risk for heart attack & stroke - their number one and four killers - and be able to identify the symptoms, so they can get help right away. For more info, visit www.goredforwomen.org

[survived]

11:27 AM on 02/22/2012

I had been driving car..stopped at rest stop took 8 steps and collapsed unable to speak, stand, breathe....NO CHEST PAIN...profuse sweating...about 10 minutes later left arm pain down into thumb/forefinger back up into neck then HORRENDOUS jaw pain and I knew then..rushed 20 miles to ER...NEVER CHEST PAIN...testing, rehydrated, DISCHARGED as panic attack; EKG showed NOTHING indicating heart attack...outcome there were three major attacks that day that left me with 30% pumping, double pneumonia in September, 2000; not until December did I have open heart 5 by-pass wanted 4 successful, aneurysm on top of heart and now as I type continued 37% pumping..I will be 68 May, 2012. Cardiologist told me 40% with type of attacks I had don't even live to get to ER..they drove me 20 miles and discharged me...I am blessed by God's hands through the surgeon who told me I had left him very little to work with but he would do his best. I'd say he did excellent job with God's help!