You know those categories that we sometimes classify as “them”…being older, suffering from poor health or poor habits, being male. It is true that older women die faster from heart disease, but all women should be concerned about the silent killer. American women of all ages are 4 to 6 times more likely to die of heart disease than of breast cancer. It is the number one killer of women.
READ: Diabetes & Pregnancy: How To Lower Your Risks
In my case, I developed peripartum cardiomyopathy during pregnancy, which essentially is congestive heart failure that causes a weakened heart to not pump sufficiently for the needs of the body.
This condition was not caused by my eating, lifestyle or exercise habits. In fact, doctors don’t know why some women get it and others do not. By the grace of God, I survived my ordeal and continue to be on the path to recovery.
Understand that disease such as heart disease does not discriminate. Please understand what some of the signs and symptoms of heart disease are. Getting regular check-ups and finding the right medical caregivers that will partner with you on your health is key.
Angela Burgin Logan is a blogger, wife, mother, advocate and Co-Executive Producer of the film “Breathe” (now on Netlfix), which chronicles the story of her near fatal experience with the pregnancy-related disease, preeclampsia. Read more about her life and work here.