Living with Heart Disease

I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse in 2000. Shortly thereafter I had a pacemaker implanted. I was only 45 years old. I knew of heart disease in my mothers family but never thought I would have it.

After experiencing black outs while driving I was made aware how this could affect my life. Just last year I was told I now have cardiomyopathy. I had just recently heard of this condition. Now I’m trying to get social security because work became difficult. I was having shortness of breath, dizziness losing my balance, just to name a few symptoms. Right now I’m on coreg and lisinipril along with my daily asprin. It still is rough because day to day I feel like I’m losing the battle. The medication helps but it is still tough along with the added stress of not being as active as I was, and fighting for my social security is taking its toll. Many people are not aware of the seriousness of heart disease therefore they don’t see it as a disability. I hope that I get through this.

Women, we are victims of heart disease as much as men. We have to take care of this vital organ by taking care of ourselves.