- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Mom, 55, Survives Heart Attack After Ignoring Surprising Symptom
Jessica Rodriguez's jaw pain was the first sign of a life-threatening blockage.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
When Jessica Rodriguez, a 55-year-old mother from Queens, New York, felt a sudden jaw pain after grocery shopping, she initially dismissed it as a side effect of recent dental work. However, as the pain worsened throughout the day, Rodriguez eventually realized something was seriously wrong and called 911. Tests revealed she was having a major heart attack with a 100% blockage in her right coronary artery.
Why it matters
Rodriguez's story highlights the importance of women recognizing and acting on subtle heart attack symptoms, which can differ from the classic chest pain experienced by men. Her experience serves as a reminder that heart attacks can happen to anyone, regardless of age or perceived health status.
The details
After the initial EKG gave inconclusive results, further testing at the hospital confirmed Rodriguez was having a severe ST elevation heart attack. Doctors immediately performed surgery to place a stent and relieve the blockage. Despite her initial hesitation to seek medical care, Rodriguez was able to recover quickly and return home within 23 hours.
- In November 2025, Rodriguez felt jaw pain after grocery shopping.
- Around 4 a.m., the pain became severe, feeling like a "vice grip" on her jaw.
- Around 9 a.m., Rodriguez woke her daughter and said she needed medical attention.
- Rodriguez underwent an angiogram and stent procedure on the same day.
- Just last month, Rodriguez received a second stent for another significant blockage.
The players
Jessica Rodriguez
A 55-year-old mother from Queens, New York, who survived a major heart attack after initially dismissing her jaw pain as a dental issue.
Dr. Jonathan Murphy
An interventional cardiologist at Mount Sinai Queens who treated Rodriguez and performed the procedures to place stents and relieve the blockages in her arteries.
What they’re saying
“I looked him in his eyes, and I started crying. I said, I would never come to the ER if it wasn't (serious). I know my body, and there is something seriously wrong with me.”
— Jessica Rodriguez (TODAY.com)
“In like 23 hours, they released me and I was back in the supermarket — straight from having a heart attack.”
— Jessica Rodriguez (TODAY.com)
What’s next
Rodriguez is continuing to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and improving her diet, to support her recovery and long-term heart health. She also plans to share her story to raise awareness about the importance of women recognizing subtle heart attack symptoms.
The takeaway
Rodriguez's experience underscores the need for women to be proactive about their heart health and not dismiss potential warning signs, even if they don't fit the classic heart attack symptoms. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that heart attacks can happen to anyone, and seeking immediate medical attention can be the difference between life and death.
