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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