Heart Failure Is Part of My Story, Not the End of It 

Published on October 27, 2026

Heart disease has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was born with a congenital heart valve defect called mitral valve regurgitation, so taking care of my heart has always been part of my life. 

Because it was something I had always lived with, I didn’t grow up thinking my heart condition had to define me. I ran track in high school, became a teacher and continued doing the things that mattered to me. 

Over the years, I’ve had several heart valve surgeries. When I began experiencing symptoms of valve failure, I recognized some of the signs because I had been through valve surgery before. I knew something wasn’t right, so I went back to my cardiologist. Eventually, heart failure became another part of my heart journey. 

Today, I pay close attention to my ejection fraction and other heart health numbers. I understand what those numbers mean for me, and I pay attention when something changes. That knowledge helps me ask better questions and have more meaningful conversations with my cardiologist. 

Living with heart disease my entire life has taught me to pay attention to my body, ask questions and take an active role in my care. But it has also taught me something else: I can still live a full life. 

Heart failure is part of my story, but it isn’t the end of it. 

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. 

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