Does Gratitude Impact the Brain?Heart failure is really REALLY hard. So, as a disclaimer, I am not writing this in hopes of communicating some idea that we fake gratitude then we can magically somehow...reactions3comments
Desmin MyopathyI 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...reactions2comments
Surviving an Accident With Heart Failure (Part 1)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...reactions2comments
New Year's Resolution: More Walking Please!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...reactions1comment
Intimacy and Heart Failure: Let’s Talk About SexWhether 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...reactions4comments
Community Views: The Biggest Challenges of Living With Heart FailureWhile 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...reactions4comments
Does My Migraine Disease Protect My Heart?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...reactions1comment
Life TodayLife 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...reactions3comments
Community Views: Creatively Explaining Heart FailureA 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...reactions11comments
Clothing Options for CHFFor me, 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 and...reactions4comments
Running For LifeMy 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...reactions6comments
Dear Santa! Here's A Heart-Healthy Christmas Wish ListDear 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...reactions10comments
Community Views: Advice I Would Give MyselfYou 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...reactions1comment
Community Views: Your Biggest Fears with Heart FailureThere 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...reactionscomments
Holiday HeartThanksgiving 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...reactionscomments
What Causes Shortness Of Breath With Exertion?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...reactionscomments
Single, But Safely SurroundedThe 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...reactions3comments
Trust… Connecting the DotsShortly 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...reactions1comment
Community Views: What to Avoid in a CardiologistFor 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...reactionscomments
Do You Need A Pulse Oximeter?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...reactionscomments