‘Y&R’ star reveals news about her heart health to inspire others. ‘Knowledge is power.’

As ambitious, reformed con artist Chelsea Lawson on the long-running daytime drama “The Young and the Restless,” actor Melissa Claire Egan has tackled dramatic health challenges such as a miscarriage stemming from a car wreck and a brain aneurysm that left her using a wheelchair for six months.

Off screen, Egan faced an equally shocking twist. A routine test done during an annual physical exam uncovered signs of coronary artery disease.

At 44 and seemingly healthy, the longtime TV actor and mother of two recently learned of her diagnosis. She’s allowing the American Heart Association to share her story in hopes of encouraging others to stay on top of their own heart health.

“I’m a relatively private person, but I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t share my story,” Egan said.

Her story begins with her checkup a few months ago. Egan’s doctor happened to run additional blood tests to assess her cardiovascular risk.

Egan was found to have elevated levels of markers commonly known as Lp(a) and ApoB. In simple terms, these were red flags about her cholesterol. Her doctor referred her to a cardiologist.

An electrocardiogram showed that her heart’s electrical activity was fine. An echocardiogram showed that her heart was pumping normally.

The doctor also ordered a coronary artery calcium test, or CAC, which measures calcium buildup in the coronary arteries.

A normal CAC score for a woman Egan’s age is 0.

Egan’s was 73.

While a reading of 100 or less is considered low risk, it still meant she had some risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Also concerning was the location of the buildup: mostly in her left anterior descending artery, the main artery that supplies blood to the front of the heart.

“You’re going to be OK,” the cardiologist told Egan. “But it’s really smart that you came to see me.”

He explained that untreated plaque can ultimately lead to significant narrowing of the coronary arteries, which can cause chest pain and shortness of breath or even a heart attack.

Around 1 in 5 women in the U.S. die from heart disease, making it the leading cause of death for women, ahead of all forms of cancer.

That night, putting her boys, 4-year-old Caden and 2-year-old Jake, to bed, Egan was still reeling from the news. She had a family history of heart disease, but it never occurred to her that at 44 she could be at risk. At some point, though, the shock gave way to gratitude to her doctors for putting her on a path to reduce her risk of heart disease.

The next morning as she got ready for work, her husband, Matt Katrosar, said: “You seem so calm.”

“Matt, it’s because the doctor said I’m going to be OK,” she said. “I’m going to take my medicine, and I believe him. I do feel calm.”

Egan hopes that others – especially women – stay on top of their health. That means getting annual checkups and following up on anything their health care provider flags as a possible problem.

“Knowledge is power,” she said. “Thank God for great doctors, early prevention and medication.”

Katrosar is equally thankful. “This experience reminded us that heart issues don’t always come with warning signs,” he said. “Everyone gets busy and distracted and doesn’t go to the doctor. But getting checked even when you feel fine can make all the difference.”

This year, Egan celebrates 15 years on “The Young and the Restless” – which has been on the air since 1973 – and she’s looking forward to many more.

Most of all, she remains on top of her heart health to continue her most important role – as mom to Caden and Jake.

“I want to live as long as I can for these little boys,” Egan said. “They need their mama.”

Stories From the Heart chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.

A great way to lower your risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems is by following Life’s Essential 8. Added details are available for kids, women and while pregnant.