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Health scares often occur when you least expect them. And sometimes, you don’t even know they’re happening. Heather Weers, a senior principal project engineer for the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), experienced both. 13 years ago, before beginning her career at Northrop Grumman, Heather survived a major heart attack with minor symptoms.
Heather was watching an indoor hockey game with friends on a Friday night when she started to feel nauseous. She didn’t think much of it at the time, assuming it was caused by eating popcorn on an empty stomach. As the night went on, she started to feel weak and tired. “After getting home, I was so cold and sat in front of the fireplace and slept,” Heather said.
Still feeling exhausted on Monday, Heather thought she may be coming down with the flu. She called her doctor and shared her symptoms. Her doctor recommended she come in immediately. Heather’s doctor ordered an EKG, which is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. Heather was quick to explain that she couldn’t be experiencing a heart attack, as she was only nauseous. She was shocked when her doctor shared that nausea is one of the most common heart attack symptoms for women.
The EKG showed a serious blockage. At 41 years old, Heather was prepped for quadruple bypass heart surgery.
Heather has a condition called familial hyper-high lipidemia, which causes high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood. “My father, two uncles, aunt and grandfather all passed because of hyper-high lipidemia,” she said. Heather has taken statins since age 12 to manage high cholesterol, but she learned that her total cholesterol levels had skyrocketed to 700 at the time of her heart attack — well over the optimal levels, which are under 150.
Through preventive health measures and medication that reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, Heather has made incredible progress.
Heather recommends that all employees take preventive health seriously, including regular checkups, monitoring cholesterol levels and learning the early warning signs for a heart attack.
“It's easy to miss the signs when you don't know what they are. I had no pain in my chest, and those I have spoken to who have had heart attacks haven’t either. But calling the doctor is what saved my life, so I highly recommend you get your symptoms checked.”
Heather’s story is one of many that highlight the importance of preventive health. It may not be your favorite pastime, but investing in your health now can save you time and money in the future. Luckily, finding the motivation to complete your annual wellness check has never been easier, thanks to Northrop Grumman’s Well-being Incentive Program. If you're enrolled in a Northrop Grumman Anthem, Kaiser or Cigna Global plan, you’re eligible to earn a $500 well-being incentive. To earn the incentive, you must complete one of the following requirements by Sept. 30, 2025:
It’s never a bad idea to get a wellness check, but it’s an even better idea since you’re rewarded for it! “Talk to your doctors, your family, your friends and reach outside your comfort zone in discussions. That’s how we continue to push forward and prioritize our health,” Heather said.
Curious to learn more? View frequently asked questions or call Quantum Health at 800-894-4194.