My FH Treatment: Embracing an InjectionWhen I was diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), it was a lot to take in. Knowing I had a genetic condition that put me at high risk for heart disease...reactionscomments
Newly Diagnosed With Cardiovascular DiseaseReceiving a diagnosis can be shocking and very difficult to deal with. Like most people, we all have plans and goals that we want to reach and are currently working...reactionscomments
How My Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis Changed My LifeDays after my sister was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), my mother, now realizing that our family had genetic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, took me in to be checked as well. During...reactionscomments
My HCM Diagnosis: Understanding the Warning SignsI was first diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in September of 2013 at the age 14, during my first month of high school. The only reason I was even diagnosed...reactions3comments
Navigating Familial Hypercholesterolemia During the Holiday SeasonThe holidays are such a fun and festive time — but, let’s be real, they’re also bittersweet when you’re dealing with a chronic health condition like familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). There’s...reactionscomments
How Heart Disease Changed My LifeEvery day I wake up, I realize that I’m blessed, because I have beaten everything meant to destroy me. Life is a gift and is one of those things where...reactions3comments
Understanding Hypertrophic CardiomyopathyHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a type of heart disease in which the heart muscle becomes too thick. This can make it harder for the heart to pump blood. The thickened...reactionscomments
How Is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Treated?Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart condition in which the heart muscle becomes thicker than normal. This thickening can make it harder for blood to flow out of the heart...reactionscomments
Preparing for Surgery on Lifelong AnticoagulationI have a minor surgery coming up in a couple of weeks, and I’m going through the steps of getting ready for it. Some of those steps relate to being...reactions2comments
What Is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a type of heart disease that affects the coronary arteries. These are arteries that supply blood to the heart. CAD is usually caused by atherosclerosis...reactionscomments
Navigating an Untreated SeasonLiving with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) has always been a journey of highs and lows, but I am currently in a season of being unmedicated, and it feels particularly raw. FH...reactionscomments
Afraid of Being on Blood ThinnersI honestly don’t remember much about the days following my discharge from the ICU. As vivid as the days leading up to — and being admitted into — the ICU...reactionscomments
Navigating the Holidays With Heart DiseaseThe holidays are a season to be with family, friends, and loved ones. It is a joyous season filled with fun and tradition. It is a time when strangers become...reactions1comment
Coronary Angiography, Angioplasty, and StentsCoronary angiography, also called coronary angiogram, is a test used to see how the blood flows near the heart. It can be used to diagnose heart problems like coronary artery...reactionscomments
Getting an Emergency ThrombectomyMy first pulmonary embolism was pretty significant, and it needed to be addressed as soon as possible. After receiving the official diagnosis of PE, I was given a few options...reactions2comments
Advocacy, Grief, and the Emotional JourneyLiving with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a unique challenge, not just because of the physical condition itself, but because of the emotional weight it carries. For me, FH isn’t just...reactionscomments
Hearing Your Heartbeat — In Your Ear?As anyone with a chronic illness will tell you, new symptoms pop up all the time. A random joint pain here, a new palpitation there; it can all feel rather...reactionscomments
Hospital for the HolidaysAs we embark on the holidays, I start to think about everyone who is in the hospital for cardiovascular disease. Not only cardiovascular disease, but other diseases as well. When...reactions3comments
A Curse and a BlessingFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH), or genetically high cholesterol, is a unique health condition that’s impacted my life in ways I never expected. Living with FH often feels like I’m walking a...reactionscomments
Living With the Limitations of Dilated CardiomyopathyWhen I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, I didn’t realize how much my life would change. By now, many of you know my story, but bear with me as we...reactions1comment
