Kathy Kastan: A story from the heart.

When she was just 41 years old, Kathy Kastan began experiencing shortness of breath and intermittent pain along her left arm and back. What she and her physicians did not realize was that she was exhibiting the early signs of heart disease. After a series of misdiagnoses, Kathy Kastan underwent heart bypass surgery at the age of 42.

Today Ms. Kastan has a unique perspective on the challenges of women living with heart disease. As an author, she’s often invited to speak to women’s groups, the media, health care providers and political leaders across the country. She urges women to know their risk factors and insist that doctors partner with them to treat the issue of women’s heart disease seriously.

Ms. Kastan holds an MSW and MAEd from Washington University in St. Louis. She’s also a certified LCSW and licensed family mediator with more than 14 years of clinical experience in hospital and private settings.

See Kathy Kastan’s Video

Kathy Kastan’s first book, "From the Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Living Well with Heart Disease" was published in March 2007 by Da Capo Lifelong Books.