American Heart Health Month

In 2012, I ran my first half marathon. Shortly after the race, I ended up in the emergency room with palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, especially after exercising. I had a whole workup with and was on a heart monitor. The ER doc proceeded to tell me I had low potassium and probably some anxiety and should follow up with my family doctor. After more follow up, I knew something still wasn't right and asked to go see a cardiologist.

Upon further workup and and echo cardiogram the cardiologist discovered that I had a "hole" in the wall of my heart muscle, known as an atrial septal defect. An ASD separates the top two chambers of the heart and allows oxygen-rich blood to leak into the oxygen-poor blood chambers in the heart which was causing my symptoms. The hole was big enough that it needed surgical intervention, my options: open heart surgery or be the first person in St. Luke's Hospital's history to have an amplatzer device. Having faith in my cardiologist, and not wanting a big ole scar down the middle of my chest, I chose the less invasive route.

So, at the ripe age of 25, I underwent a cardiac catheterization and opted for the device implantation. The amplatzer device is made out of a braided metal specifically designed to close atrial septal defects and it is now a permanent part of my heart. After a night in the ICU and a week of at home recovery I was able to get back into running and am now the woman with a "bionic heart." Every year I have an echocardiogram to check on the device and follow up with my cardiologist. I am happy to report that all is well and I'm still going strong!

Because of my cardiac history, and also because I'm a nurse, I believe it is so important for people to understand the benefits of being "heart healthy." So many risk factors for heart disease can be prevented with diet and exercise. 


February is American Heart Health month and I am making it my mission to help as many people as I can start living healthier lifestyles. Here are a few ways to reduce your risk for heart disease.

1. Get active
Daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life. If you get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day (like brisk walking), five times per week, you can almost guarantee yourself a healthier and more satisfying life while lowering your risks for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

2. Eat better
Healthy foods are the fuel our bodies use to make new cells and create the energy we need to thrive and fight diseases. If you are frequently skipping out on veggies, fruit, low-fat dairy, fiber-rich whole grains, and lean meats including fish, your body is missing the basic building blocks for a healthy life.

3. Manage Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer. Blood pressure can be managed by eating healthy, reducing stress, increasing activity, losing weight, and quitting smoking. 

4. Lose weight
If you have too much fat — especially if a lot of it is at your waist — you’re at higher risk for such health problems as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes. If you’re overweight or obese, you can reduce your risk for heart disease by successfully losing weight and keeping it off. Even losing as few as five or ten pounds can produce a dramatic blood pressure reduction.

If you are interested in learning more on how you can get on the right track to being heart healthy, please join me for my next fitness and accountability group! To join, simply fill out a challenge group application. I will contact you with all the information you need to get started! You're never too young- or too old- to take care of your heart!