queenofhearts submitted a way to: Live with heart disease
way to be well created 12.14.10
Labeling Heart Disease
There are many risk factors that contribute to heart disease and stroke, and since heart disease is the nation’s #1 killer and stroke is #3, it is probably important to know what they are.
So the facts – right? You see I am not here as your doctor or nurse telling you what to do to change your lifestyle. I am just going to put it all out on the table for you. The risk factors that lead to heart disease and stroke are no secret: high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol all contribute to heart disease and stroke. And yet, they are almost all within your control. Of course there are certain factors like genetics that might effect your cholesterol or high blood pressure, but smoking? That is a decision that someone makes. People who have these risk factors can greatly reduce their changes of heart disease and/or stroke by controlling their diet, exercising, and quitting smoking. Of course, this should be done in consultation with a healthcare professional.
In my instance, I did not know about my heart defect until I suffered a stroke – there was little if anything that I could have done to prevent the stroke – especially since no one picked up on my heart problem. Having a heart problem and/or a stroke quickly becomes a type of label, and over the years, I have found that it is truly up to the individual with that label to define what stroke or heart disease truly means.
I have seen people who’ve suffered multiple strokes and heart surgeries remain bedridden, and I’ve seen people who’ve suffered multiple strokes and open heart surgery use all of their determination to redefine normal and get on with their lives. I understand that there are always exceptions, I understand that in some instances, it might be virtually impossible for an individual to regain their body strength and walk as they once did. However, stroke and heart disease do not have to be the determining factors in an individual’s life.
They might be check boxes on a medical form you have to fill out. They might be a reason (and a good one at that!) for your regular visits to the doctor. However, these labels by no means define you as an individual.
So the facts – right? You see I am not here as your doctor or nurse telling you what to do to change your lifestyle. I am just going to put it all out on the table for you. The risk factors that lead to heart disease and stroke are no secret: high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol all contribute to heart disease and stroke. And yet, they are almost all within your control. Of course there are certain factors like genetics that might effect your cholesterol or high blood pressure, but smoking? That is a decision that someone makes. People who have these risk factors can greatly reduce their changes of heart disease and/or stroke by controlling their diet, exercising, and quitting smoking. Of course, this should be done in consultation with a healthcare professional.
In my instance, I did not know about my heart defect until I suffered a stroke – there was little if anything that I could have done to prevent the stroke – especially since no one picked up on my heart problem. Having a heart problem and/or a stroke quickly becomes a type of label, and over the years, I have found that it is truly up to the individual with that label to define what stroke or heart disease truly means.
I have seen people who’ve suffered multiple strokes and heart surgeries remain bedridden, and I’ve seen people who’ve suffered multiple strokes and open heart surgery use all of their determination to redefine normal and get on with their lives. I understand that there are always exceptions, I understand that in some instances, it might be virtually impossible for an individual to regain their body strength and walk as they once did. However, stroke and heart disease do not have to be the determining factors in an individual’s life.
They might be check boxes on a medical form you have to fill out. They might be a reason (and a good one at that!) for your regular visits to the doctor. However, these labels by no means define you as an individual.
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