FLORENCE -- Coastal Carolina University and McLeod Health are helping women learn more about heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in this country.

Penny Randall, 49, of Florence now makes it a point to exercise three days a week. The petite, 115-pound woman didn't really hit the gym much until after she nearly died in November.

"Went to bed. Felt fine. And I woke up in the middle of the night with chest pains and numbness in my arms," Penny told NewsChannel 15.

She was having a heart attack.

Her son called 911 and she was rushed to the emergency room.

Heart disease runs in her family, but Penny never had any blatant symptoms.

"I had no signs, no symptoms. Cholesterol's great. My blood pressure was low," Penny says.

"Though she looked physically fit, looked like someone who was also taking care of themselves, I think the problem was having symptoms and not able to realize that she had a cardiac issue or heart problem," Electrophysiologist Dr. Rajesh Malik says.

Dr. Malik says many times the symptoms aren't so obvious and can be mistaken for other illnesses, especially in women.

"They may not get the jaw pain. They may not get the chest pain. Their symptoms may be just merely fatigue," Dr. Malik says.

He adds that's why it's so important for women to get checked and educate themselves about heart disease.

McLeod Health is partnering with Coastal Carolina University in an event called Girls Night Out. It brings women together to learn about being heart healthy, while enjoying some chocolate and red wine.

Penny says education is the key to a longer, healthier life and she's glad to have a second chance.

"When I open my eyes every morning, I'm thankful to be here."

Girls Night Out with McLeod Physicians is set for Tuesday, February 1. The Wine & Chocolate Reception starts at 6 p.m. The meet and greet with doctors and presentations start at 6:30 p.m. It's in the E. Craig Wall College of Business Auditorium, Room 116, at Coastal Carolina University.

Reservations are required. Call 1-800-667-2005 and press option one.