Living

I was afraid to talk about it out loud because I didn't want to accept it. Do you ever notice when you find out you're diagnosed with something the symptoms...

Editor's note: This is part 1 of a series. Be sure to read part 2! Months ago, as I headed downstairs to my kitchen, I slipped on the last two...

As a congestive heart failure patient, I am aware of the many benefits of engaging in regular physical activity. However I was surprised when I learned about some of the...

Whether you know it or not, problems with your heart affect your sex life. Think about it! Every part of your body requires blood flow – even the parts down below...

While heart failure affects each person differently, there is no doubt that it is a challenging condition for everyone who lives with it. You likely manage your condition with medicines...

When I was first diagnosed with Brugada Syndrome, I have to admit I felt a little scared. I had seen my dad deal with the symptoms and get his ICD...

Life is what you make it. Well, at least that's what I was told. I'm not sure I ever understood what that meant for many years. What I do know...

A diagnosis of heart failure can be tough. It may be hard for someone on the outside to truly understand the realities of living with this condition. To help paint...

As a female, one of the challenges with my heart failure diagnosis has been how to dress this new body. I have experienced weight gain and swelling in my abdomen...

My title is a little deceptive because I no longer run. But I ran for a long time, from high school into my mid-sixties. All three of my sons, now...

Dear Santa. My kids already made their Christmas lists. I hope you received them well. Consider this post my personal Christmas list. Last year you gave me a nice surround...

You have probably heard the song lyrics, “I wish that I knew what I know now when I was younger.” Many who live with a chronic health disease wish to...

There is no doubt that living with heart failure takes courage. This diagnosis comes with a great deal of uncertainty, which can lead to a variety of fears and stresses...

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I must say what an experience! It was so filled with laughter, love and great food. Personally, I was looking forward to feeling all...

Heart failure is a disease that may cause you to feel short of breath.  The most common time when you may feel short of breath due to heart failure is...

The good news (within the bad news) is that when I was diagnosed with heart disease in 1999 and received a triple bypass, I was married. My spouse was able...

Shortly before my recent annual visit with my cardiologist, I received some information that sent me into an emotional tail spin: fear, anxiety, insomnia, a lack of overall wellbeing. It...

For every great cardiologist, there is at least one that is not so great. When searching for a cardiologist, it is equally important to know which qualities to look for...

Most of us are familiar with the four vital signs: respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Of course, most of us are also familiar with what is now...

Living with heart failure means frequently accessing the healthcare system. Unfortunately, the system often does not feel user-friendly. We wanted to know how you would summarize your experience, so we...