You only have one heart - take care of it.

It’s been over a year now that my brother went to be with the Lord.  If you’ve read his story, you will know that he was born with hole in his heart and suffered from heart related issues since he was a baby.  Heart disease eventually became the sickness that took his life away.  To honor my brother, I made it a responsibility to educate myself and others about the #1 killer in both men and women around the world. 

In my attempt to spread the news, I wanted to share with you fellow Gentlewoman, Alex Ramirez’s story.    Who would think at 25 years old, a young woman would be dealing with heart conditions?  I’m sure she didn’t, but luckily for Alex she was able to get checked before things got worse. 

What type of heart condition are you currently dealing with?  I have been dealing with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) for the past 5 years.  I’m sure I have had it since I was a teenager, I just didn’t know the symptoms were anything to be concerned about.  At that age, I would dismiss the symptoms all the time. 

Can you tell me a little bit more about what Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is? Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) means that from time to time my heart beats very fast for a reason other than exercise, high fever, or stress.  During an episode of SVT, the heart’s electrical system doesn’t work right, causing the heart to beat very fast.  The heart beats at least 100 beats a minute and may reach 300 beats a minute.  It’s like driving your car at 100mph every day, all day.  Of course it will eventually take its course and damage the motor – similar to my heart.  I need to slow down in order to not damage it.  SVT makes me very tired and fatigued along with other side effects such as angina (chest pain), palpitations and occasional fainting.   My mother and sisters suffer from SVT as well.  I’ve also had 3 aunts die from sudden heart related issues.

When did you start noticing symptoms or realize you needed to go to the doctor?  My initial first ER experience due to SVT occurred back in 2008 while I was at work.  I was sitting at my desk feeling sick for three days straight with chest pain and tightness.  My heart rate was at 180 which is pretty high for just sitting.  Thankfully, my friend told my boss who was a surgeon and they rushed me to the ER and did all the necessary testing.  By the grace of God, I didn’t end up having a full blown heart attack.

How are you currently dealing with the condition? (Medications, diet change, etc)  I take Coreg 40 mg twice a day.  I don’t ever miss a dose or I will regret it.  I will definitely get sick.  I stay out of direct sunlight or sun exposure because that puts extra pressure on your heart.  No caffeine, keep stress to a minimum – although that’s almost impossible now in life. No haunted houses or rides at Six Flags.

What advice can you give to my readers regarding heart conditions and getting themselves checked out? Best advice I can give anyone who wants it is - don’t wait until tomorrow to get a check up or see a doctor.  If you have concerns about anything like chest tightness, or even if you have asthma, which I do (and is what I blamed all my symptoms on), don’t hesitate to see a PCP or a Cardiologist.  Chest pain/tightness, shortness of breath, numbness in your hands or arms, family history of high blood pressure/heart disease/heart attack/strokes, these are all reasons to go see a doctor as soon as you can.  All the “what ifs” can be answered by getting a check up before it’s too late.

God works in mysterious ways.  I now work for a Cardiologist and I’ve learned so much.  You only have one heart and you need to take care of it. It is better to be safe than sorry.  I work for North Texas Heart Center at Presbyterian. I can give anyone information at anytime.  It would be my pleasure.

If you would like more information regarding SVT, you can visit The Heart Association webpage here.

Also, I have signed up to raise funds and participate in The Heart Walk in Dallas, TX again this year.  I would love if you would join my team and/or make a donation.  (Any amount is appreciated.)  The Heart Walk is FREE to join and will take place September 13^th at 9:00 AM at the Base of Reunion Tower (300 Reunion Boulevard East, Dallas, TX 75207).  The Heart Walk is a three mile noncompetitive event.  I participate in this walk in honor of my brother and for all the people who have lost their lives to heart disease.  I also walk for those who are currently in the battle of making their heart healthy again.

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Where have I been?

Well, the answer to where I've been can be summed up in one word: Here.  I've been here, but I've been uninspired in the last few weeks.  I've been in a little hole of pity.  First let me tell you I'm recovering from walking pneumonia.  This sickness took me out for a good two weeks. During this time, I've been tired and weak. I have been thinking about this blog and the lack of attention that I've given it.  Writer's block?  Perhaps.  To tell you the truth, I just didn't make the effort to devote time to writing.  But for me, if I'm not inspired to write, I have nothing to produce, therefore, I will sit down and begin typing, eventually finding myself in front of a blank screen.  In the last week, I've been recovering from walking pneumonia but I also experienced a rollercoaster ride that took me down before it brought me back up.

It started on Monday, I came back to work from a quiet weekend.  Without going into full details of the events that occurred, there were some changes at work that didn't necessarily affect me at first, but eventually did.  Sometimes you feel that things at work suck.  It was one of those weeks.  I found myself overthinking, over analyzing and then there I was in that little hole.  Help! Help! I needed to get out.  I dug the hole and then put myself in there and now I needed to get out.  I was looking at myself thinking "Where is the woman full of inspiration and positivity?". I lost my mojo for a minute.  I sat in the hole for a day or two and then as the week was about to conclude, I was reminded what I stand for. 

Snap out of it Vickie!  Just in that moment, I turned my situation over to God.  That's what he is there for.  And when we don't like what's happening, we lean not on our understanding but on His understanding.  I lost myself for a few days.  I had taken everything that I relay out to you all and threw it down the train.  I had to go back to all the encouraging words and verses that I do stand for that have gotten me through all the various points of my life.  In that moment, I was presented with an idea. 

I can't wait to tell you all what I am about to embark upon - which I will but I have to get a few things together first.

But I wanted to let you know that we all go through little moments that suck, where we feel unmotivated and lost.  You can overcome anything no matter how big or small.  Keep reminding yourself what you stand for, what you want and then go and get it!!! 

Take heart, you are headed to something bigger and better.  Stay encouraged.  If something didn't work out, don't let pity take root.  What was meant for your harm, God will use to your advantage.