Pacemakers and VestsOnce I said that although I wanted to give up, there was something in me telling me to keep pushing. I went home after that doctor's visit and went straight...reactions1comment
Does Coffee Reduce Heart Failure Risk? Coffee is the third most popular drink in America. Twelve percent of Americans have at least one cup of coffee every day. But is coffee good for you? And is...reactions1comment
Adoption OptionsFor many of us women, the diagnosis of heart failure has impacted our ability to have carry and/or have biological children. From personal experience I understand; this is heart-wrenching. I...reactions1comment
Community Shares: Missing Life Before Heart FailureA heart failure diagnosis brings many changes. Every aspect of life goes through reorganization. Many things are no longer feasible. While it is important to live in the here and...reactionscomments
Traveling Tips While Living With Heart FailureTraveling is one thing that we all do. Sometimes it’s a short trip, other times we do long-distance travel. There are different things you can do to keep yourself safe...reactions3comments
Self-Care 101: I Don’t Have Time!!!My biggest fear following my heart failure diagnosis was running out of time. Time is something that cannot get back, and I hadn’t lived my life to the fullest. My...reactions9comments
The Grieving ProcessI have become much better acquainted with the grieving process since being diagnosed with heart failure. The symptoms of heart failure carry a very high burden for yourself and your...reactions23comments
Nobody’s Listening to Me. Nobody’s Listening!People enjoy music because of how it makes them feel. Maybe it reminds them of a situation/event, brings about a sense of nostalgia, or just captures a raw emotion to...reactionscomments
Chronic Illness, Relationships, and FriendshipsChronic illnesses can affect relationships and friendships significantly. As a result, many patients with one form of chronic disease, or another, encounter social problems regularly. The demands imposed on friends...reactions3comments
What Is Bradycardia?Bradycardia is a type of heart rhythm. It means that your heart is beating slower than normal. So what does this really mean? What causes it? How might this contribute...reactionscomments
Live in the NOW"Live in the now" seems like a faraway notion once you've received a life-changing medical diagnosis. This is especially true when it is a condition that forces you to face...reactions5comments
LVAD: Reasons for Use and EligibilityOne thing you have heard people talk about is an LVAD or left ventricular assist device. It is exactly what it sounds like as it assists the left ventricle in...reactionscomments
ConstipationThis is not the 'sexiest' of all topics; however, I have personally experienced that constipation can adversely impact your quality of life. So what can cause constipation and why do...reactions2comments
The Power of SupportWhen I think about support, I picture someone's arms under another person holding them up. I looked up the definition and it reads: bear all or part of the weight...reactionscomments
Digital Health vs. Digital TherapeuticsTechnology is now a common way to deliver healthcare. Digital health products help prevent, diagnose, or manage chronic conditions. Devices range from wellness apps to artificial intelligence and wearable devices...reactionscomments
PCSK9 Inhibitors: The New Cholesterol-Lowering DrugsIf you have elevated cholesterol, you may have heard of the new drugs classified as PCSK9 inhibitors. Drugs within this class include alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha). Most people with...reactionscomments
Longer Work Hours May Increase Risk of a Second Heart AttackAn April 2021 study has found that longer work hours increase a person’s risk of having a second heart attack. The study was published in the Journal of the American...reactions1comment
Mind Over MatterAn unexpected medical emergency can land you in the back of an ambulance, emergency room, or once again in a hospital. Sometimes it’s no big deal, while other times it...reactions1comment
Healthy Ways to Cope With StressI think it's clear by now, at least for those of us within the heart failure community, that stress is not good for those of us with heart disease. I...reactionscomments
Mindfulness (Part 2)Editor's note: this is part 2 of a 2-part series. Be sure to read part 1! As a young kid, I was fast and furious with everything. Somehow, I was...reactionscomments