Already something of a “poster child” for fitness among the retired set, Paducahan Martha Dawson, 74, didn’t let a setback like openheart surgery slow her down for long.

Within two months of her surgery, she had returned to her volunteer job as an Auxilian at Western Baptist, to her fitness routine at Baptist Family Fitness and to her favorite pastime—dancing the night away.

“It’s a passion,” said Dawson. “I love to dance my cares away.”

She may be light on her feet, but her message to women lies heavy on her heart.

Dawson had no prior heart symptoms. Her cholesterol was a little high, but otherwise she considered herself healthy.

A twirl around the dance floor one evening in early June, however, caught Dawson’s attention. She felt pressure in her chest and rested until it passed. A few nights later, Dawson was back on the dance floor when she felt the pain again.

Results of a stress test surprised her.

“I failed it big time,” said Dawson.

Cardiologist Lowell Roberts, M.D., found 90 percent blockage in the main artery and 50 percent blockage in another artery. Cardiothoracic surgeon Robin Howe, M.D., performed openheart surgery the next day.

Dawson’s recovery has been remarkable, and there’s a new spring in her step as she reflects on her heart’s health.

“If I had it to do over again, I would have left the dance floor and gone immediately to the emergency room,” said Dawson. “Don’t leave anything to chance.”