YR Star Melissa Claire Egan Reveals Scary Heart Diagnosis: “Too Important Not To Share”
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Melissa Claire Egan, best known to fans as Chelsea Lawson on The Young and the Restless, has shared a deeply personal and alarming health update that she says she felt “too important not to share — especially for women.”
YR Star Melissa Claire Egan Reveals Scary Heart Diagnosis: “Too Important Not To Share”
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the actress revealed that she was diagnosed with coronary heart disease in late January. Thanks to early detection and immediate medical care, she confirmed she will be okay — but emphasized the lifesaving power of screening and awareness.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Egan explained that after routine bloodwork showed elevated levels, her longtime physician of 20+ years, @drthaisaliabadi, referred her to cardiologist @ghalichimd. A Heart Calcium Scan revealed plaque in her LAD artery, often referred to as the “widowmaker” because blockages there can lead to sudden, fatal heart attacks.
“It’s mild so far and tends to be genetic,” she shared, “but rare for a 44-year-old woman. This could have caused the plaque to chip off and cause a fatal heart attack or stroke any time over the next 5–10 years — maybe even sooner.”
That night, the actress lay in bed with her young sons, feeling overwhelming gratitude but also thinking of everyone walking around with undetected heart issues.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about all the other women (and men) that might have this disease and not know it. It is under-tested and under-recognized.”
“We Get Mammograms… But We Don’t Check Our Hearts”
Egan stressed that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, responsible for 1 in 3 female deaths every year.
“We’re all so good about getting our mammograms,” she wrote, “but we don’t check our heart health. It is imperative that you do!”
She encouraged followers to speak to their doctors about:
Coronary heart disease risk evaluations
A Heart Calcium Scan
Lipoprotein(a) testing
ApoB levels
She also partnered with the American Heart Association to help spread awareness, directing fans to more information through the link in her bio.
A Message of Hope and Prevention
Egan ended her message with encouragement and urgency:
“Let’s all band together, focus on our heart health, and live longer!!! ❤️”
Her honesty has sparked widespread support, with fans and colleagues applauding her courage in sharing something so personal to help others.
