FOR A GOOD CAUSE:

Judy Voltmer quit her “glamorous” smoking habit 13 years ago, adopted a healthy lifestyle that included daily exercise, and took her high cholesterol medication religiously.

When a doctor discovered elevated cholesterol levels and possible blockage in some arteries during routine blood work, Voltmer was referred to a cardiologist who suggested a treadmill stress test to determine her heart’s health.

Voltmer wasn’t worried about running on a treadmill. She was physically active and in great shape — or so she thought.

“I put on my best aerobic wear for that test and thought, I’ll show them,” she said. “On the treadmill, I couldn’t even catch my breath. The doctor suggested an angiogram, and the rest is history.”

A routine angiogram turned into quintuple bypass surgery after doctors found three of the arteries in Voltmer’s heart were between 80% and 100% blocked.

Anticipating a routine outpatient procedure, Voltmer instead woke up in the hospital recovery room with a large incision down her chest.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in America, something Voltmer believes could change if people — especially women — were educated about the risk factors, took better care of themselves and talked more with their doctors.

Both her parents died from heart disease, but Voltmer said she attributed all her symptoms — shortness of breath and cold sweats — to her being an ex-smoker. In retrospect, she said, they really were the makings of a heart attack.

“You never think it’s going to happen to you, but it can and it did,” Voltmer said.

Within months after the surgery, Voltmer volunteered with the American Heart Assn. She serves on the board of directors and for the third consecutive year will chair the organization’s 27th Annual Gala on Saturday at the Balboa Bay Club.

With more than 350 guests expected, the event is one of three fundraisers the American Heart Assn. Orange County Division hosts yearly. Executive Director Kelly Grosse said Voltmer’s participation has been important.

“Judy jumped right in, chairing the Gala, and she and her husband have been presenting sponsors for the past two years. As a [heart disease] survivor, she can also speak from experience about risk factors and prevention,” Grosse said.

The most important message, Grosse added, is that heart disease is often preventable if you know the risk factors, heed warning signs and understand that many risk factors can be reduced. Obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and lack of exercise increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

“You have to be an advocate for your own health,” Grosse said. “Be comfortable talking to your doctor about your overall health and the kinds of symptoms that you might be having.”

Voltmer said just knowing the warning signs can save a life and that today, she’s a happy, healthy grandmother to 1-year-old Chloe.

“I was a walking time bomb,” Voltmer said. “Now I’m the poster child for the American Heart Assn.”

WHAT: The American Heart Assn. “Saturday Night Fever, Staying Alive” Gala

WHEN: 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Balboa Bay Club and Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach

COST: $550 per person

INFO: Call (949) 856-3555

SUE THOENSEN may be reached at (714) 966-4627 or at sue.thoensen@latimes.com.