The Widowmaker

The term “widowmaker” refers to a blockage in one of the main arteries in the heart that can cause a nearly fatal heart attack.1 This syndrome is often under-recognized and has fatal consequences if left untreated.2  The Widowmaker heart attack is considered more fatal than other heart attacks because the blockage causes diminished blood flow in a large part of the hear. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of the widowmaker to increase the chances of survival.

 Coronary Angioplasty With Hybrid Valves. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2015.  

There are three main arteries that supply the heart with blood; the right coronary artery, the left circumflex artery and the left anterior descending artery (LAD).1  The left circumflex artery branches off the LAD artery. When a blockage occurs at the beginning of the LAD it diminishes blood flow to both the LAD and the left circumflex artery.1  The LAD supplies blood to the front and main wall of the heart and the left circumflex artery supplies blood to the side wall.1 When the LAD is totally blocked by cholesterol and a blood clot at the beginning of the vessel, it is known as the widowmaker.1 This means that essentially the whole front wall of the heart could become damaged or die, causing a heart attack, which is why this needs medical attention immediately.

This type of heart attack is what celebrity talk show host Rosie O’Donnell suffered from.3 She had a large blockage removed from her coronary artery before inserting a stent to keep the artery open.3 Here are some atypical symptoms she experienced:

·      Pain/numbness radiating down both arms3

·      Back, jaw, chest or upper belly pain or discomfort3

·      Nausea/Vomitting3

·      Fatigue3

·      Dizziness3

·      Lightheadedness3

In any situation where a heart attack is present, it is very important to keep a low level of cholesterol. Cholesterol plays a big factor in all heart disease. Bad cholesterol builds up plaque in your arteries and hinders blood flow. Bad cholesterol doesn’t have any signs or symptoms until the plaque begins to block the arteries. It is important to get cholesterol checks often to slow down plaque build up.  Some ways to manage your cholesterol are:

·      Medication4

·      Exercise4

·      Avoid saturated fats4

·      Eat more fiber4

·      Eat more nuts4

·      Don’t smoke4

Although all heart attack symptoms are similar, it is imperative to get to a hospital when experiencing any of the above symptoms. Many factors play a role in heart disease so eat healthy, exercise and make yearly check ups to your doctor.

1Ahmed, M. (2015, January 28). Widowmaker Heart Attack Explained by Cardiologist • MyHeart. Retrieved September 28, 2015.

2Yusuf Muharam M, Ahmad R, Harmy M. The “ widow maker”: Electrocardiogram features that should not be missed. Malaysian Family Physician : the Official Journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia. 2013;8(1):45-47.

3Doheny, K. (n.d.). Rosie O'Donnell's Heart Attack: Know Your Symptoms. Retrieved September 28, 2015.

4Feature, D. (n.d.). How to Lower Your Cholesterol Fast - 11 Tips - WebMD. Retrieved September 28, 2015.