I Learned to Know My Body and My Numbers

I never expected to have a heart attack. I was on vacation when I started feeling sick. First came the chills, then stomach discomfort. I thought I had indigestion. Eventually, I couldn’t lift my arms, but I still went through the entire night before going to the hospital. A blood test showed I had experienced a heart attack, and I eventually needed three stents.  

Afterward, I educated myself. I changed my nutrition, exercised and got my family involved. I remember thinking, Okay, I’m fixed, like a car. They did the tune-up and I’m done. 

But five years later, I had another heart attack. 

That taught me that caring for my heart wasn’t just about nutrition and exercise. I also had to learn to manage stress. I discovered painting after my first heart attack, and art became a way for me to relax and put what I was carrying onto the canvas.  

Today, I pay close attention to my blood pressure and other health numbers. I’ve learned my body, I track my numbers and I bring that information into conversations with my doctor. Doctors know medicine, but I know how I feel. 

I wish I had known my symptoms and my numbers before my first heart attack. That’s one reason why sharing what I’ve learned with other women has become part of my purpose.  

Know your numbers. Learn your body. Ask questions. You have to take care of yourself first so you can be there for everyone else. 

Don’t wait to track and understand your heart health numbers. Download this worksheet to write down your latest numbers, symptoms and any questions you have for your healthcare team, and take it to your next visit.