Melissa Claire Egan Shares Coronary Heart Disease Diagnosis
Actress Melissa Claire Egan, known for her role as Chelsea on The Young and the Restless, has publicly shared her diagnosis of coronary heart disease.
Diagnosis Details
Egan announced in late January that she was diagnosed with coronary heart disease, stating that early detection and medication will allow her to be okay. Her physician, Dr. Thaìˆs Aliabadi, referred her to cardiologist Dr. Mo Ghalichi after bloodwork showed elevated levels.
A heart calcium scan identified mild plaque in her LAD artery, also known as the 'widow maker.' The condition is rare for a 44-year-old woman and is believed to have a genetic component.
Egan indicated that this condition could have potentially led to a fatal heart attack or stroke within 5-10 years.
Public Health Advocacy
Egan is encouraging other women to undergo heart calcium scans. She highlighted that cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death for women, accounting for one in three deaths annually.
She advises individuals to request evaluation for coronary heart disease risk, specifically asking their doctors about Lipoprotein(a) and ApoB levels in blood tests, and to inquire about a 'Heart Calcium scan'. Egan is collaborating with the American Heart Association to promote awareness of heart disease.