Stories From The Heart
DIANE'S STORY
My experience with heart disease started with typical symptoms-I couldn't breathe one night and it felt like there was an elephant sitting right on top of my chest. Not knowing what was going on, I went to the emergency room. The doctors diagnosed me with arthritis of the rib cage behind the heart. I was relieved to hear the explanation-so relieved that I did not hear the doctor advise me to see a cardiologist as soon as possible. Two years later, I was unable to finish climbing a flight of stairs, so I returned to see the doctor again.
By age 43, I had suffered from congestive heart failure and a damaged heart muscle. I also had developed high blood pressure and was seeing a doctor who, fortunately diagnosed my symptoms and provided me with proper treatment.
I am on medication to control my high blood pressure and cholesterol. It took me some time to get my strength back, but now I exercise regularly and eat healthy foods. I keep regular appointments with my cardiologists and other doctors. I haven't had any more complications because of my heart disease.
To me, The Heart Truth is a way of informing women about what they can do to prevent heart disease. I'm active in WomenHeart and I speak to others about how they can deal with heart disease. I also graduated from the WomenHeart Symposium of 2003 and speak to local communities, churches, and support groups about heart disease.
