Eating for Heart and Soul HealthWhen I was first diagnosed with genetically high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia, or FH for short), I wanted to do everything in my power to manage my condition without medication. Spoiler...reactionscomments
The Cost of Living With Pulmonary HypertensionThe cost of living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is very high. I’m not referring to the cost in dollars, although that, too, can be well into the hundreds of thousands...reactionscomments
How I Maintain a Positive Attitude With Dilated CardiomyopathyBeing positive is one of the hardest things in the world to do. It’s much easier to be negative and listen to those negative things we hear daily. People who...reactions1comment
Blood Test Jitters? Try My Routine!Living with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) means regular blood tests are just a part of my life. If you have FH or another chronic condition that requires frequent blood work, you...reactionscomments
My Cardiac Rehab ExperienceHave you ever heard of cardiac rehab? Cardiac rehab is a program for patients diagnosed with certain heart conditions, as well as people recovering from surgeries or major health events...reactions3comments
In the Emergency Room With a Pulmonary EmbolismTo find out what led up to Christy’s ER experience, read more here. Everything was a whirlwind when I got to the ER that morning. I knew there was something...reactionscomments
It's Time to Fall into Healthy Habits! Enter Our GiveawayUPDATE: The 2024 Fall into Healthy Habits Giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your interest! Here at CardiovascularDisease.net, we want to thank our wonderful community members for all of...reactionscomments
Navigating Genetic High Cholesterol Through Life’s Hard SeasonsLiving with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is like carrying an invisible weight. You can’t see it, but it’s always there, reminding you that every choice matters when it comes to your...reactionscomments
What Is Post-Thrombotic Syndrome?Post-thrombotic syndrome is a possible complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In DVT, a blood clot forms in one of the veins found deep in the body, usually in the...reactionscomments
Ignoring the Symptoms of Pulmonary EmbolismAfter struggling with an ankle injury for over 6 months, one of my doctors finally did an MRI, which showed extensive damage in my ankle and needed surgery. I was...reactions1comment
F.A.S.T.: Spotting the Signs of StrokeWhen I suffered a stroke for the first time, I didn’t know the signs of a stroke. Better yet, I had no idea that a stroke could happen in young...reactionscomments
What Is Critical Limb Ischemia?Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD). In people with PAD, the arteries that supply blood to their limbs become narrow. This makes it...reactionscomments
Having a Job With CardiomyopathyWhen I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2014, it came with a career change. When you have cardiomyopathy, as with other cardiovascular diseases, it does not interact well with...reactionscomments
The Events Leading Up to My First Pulmonary EmbolismThe months leading up to my diagnosis were filled with an incredible amount of stress. On top of being sick with a lung infection that I couldn’t get rid of...reactionscomments
Chronic Illness: We May Feel Alone, But We're NotAs someone living with a chronic illness, I’ll be the first to say that it can be a daunting and often isolating experience. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, upset, and...reactionscomments
Stroke: Everything You Need to KnowA stroke is a serious medical event that impacts the brain. Getting medical attention quickly for stroke can lower the risk of complications. If you suspect someone is having a...reactionscomments
Breaking the CycleWhen I was 18, my world turned upside down. I was diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic condition that causes extremely high LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and significantly increases...reactionscomments
Having a Great Support SystemHaving a great support system is vital when you are diagnosed with a chronic condition like heart disease, especially when you have your "down days" and feel like you are...reactionscomments
Fast Food No MoreBy now, I'm sure we've all been told by a doctor — or someone else — about the importance of a healthy diet and not consuming a lot of fast...reactionscomments
What Is a Cardiac Catheterization?Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure. It can be used to diagnose or treat heart problems. It is also known as heart catheterization, heart cath, or cardiac cath. Cardiac catheterization...reactionscomments
