Do you know that February is Heart Health month and of course the biggest celebration of the heart, Valentine’s Day is this month. On Friday I wore red for National Go Red For Women day to raise awareness about heart disease and women. Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women?
Little did I know on Friday that I’d end up at the cardiologist today!
The story in a nutshell – on Saturday night before I went to bed I felt woozy. But rather than lay myself down immediately, I continued my bedtime rituals and tried to brush my teeth. That didn’t go so well! So, I attempted to make it to my bed and didn’t quite make it. As a matter of fact, I woke up after my head and shoulder hit the footboard of my bed. I was still out of it and slowly slid down to the floor. I broke out in a cold sweat, my heart racing and honestly can’t tell you how long I was down but I think it wasn’t more than a minute. After that I got up, finished my bedtime preparation and went to bed.
DON’T DO THIS AT HOME KIDS!
I should have gone to the doctor immediately or at the very least phone someone but I didn’t. Yesterday, I went to urgent care to figure out what happened. After having bloodwork completely, I was given a referral to a cardiologist and today had a battery of tests.
the treadmill for my stress test
After an EKG, Treadmill stress test (exercising until my heart rate reached 85% of the max) and an echocardiogram (a sonogram of the heart) the doctor reviewed the results and everything looks good! As we speak, I am wearing a 24 hour heart monitor just to make sure my heart rhythm is okay. I am sharing my story today because I think it is important that no matter what, if a health situation arises you must address it. Immediately!
Also, who know that I could potentially have a heart issue when I am in such great physical condition?
At the end of the day, all of the doctors seem to be of the consensus that I am probably fine but have a sensitive nerve (it starts with a V but I can’t remember the name) that sometimes may cause me to have dizziness and if I don’t sit my butt down I’m likely to pass out. It isn’t anything life threatening, I’m kinda like those people who pass out from the sight of blood. Update: What I experienced is called a Vasovagal syncope – basically fainting because of a sensitive vasovagal nerve.
Yes, this was a health scare and hopefully the last one! In the meantime, here is my video about my adventures and no matter what I implore you to TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART!
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m glad that you are alright!
Thanks Kim! Just this one last test and hopefully all is well!
I think you’re referring to your Vagus nerve! But don’t quote me – not a doctor just a fellow blogger! BUT we lost a family member at the age of 30 to an undiagnosed cardiac arrhythmia – I don’t say that to freak you out but to give you props for taking it seriously. It is easy for docs to tell women (especially) “you’re probably tired, it’s probably stress, etc. etc. etc.” but it can be very, very real. I am also linking to my runner friend Lisa’s story (ignore the contest part but her story matters….) http://biggreenpen.com/2012/12/02/lisas-cardiosmart-lets-send-her-to-san-francisco/ Glad you’re for the most part okay!
That is exactly it Paula and I updated my post! I’m going to read her story, thank you for sharing!
So happy you are OK and thank you so much for sharing your experience.
Thanks Lilliane! It was a scary experience but I’m glad that the majority of tests are checking out. One more to go!
Reading you needing diagnostics at a cardiologist scared the daylights out of me. I am relieved to read that things are going well. One of the big goals on my health vision board for 2013 was a focus on heart health with an aim for a great physical in September. I do know heart disease in women (even more so in women of color) is a pretty scary thing and I am trying to take a proactive not reactive approach.
I agree completely Kia! I never would have thought my heart had issues, although hypertension runs in my immediate family, I’ve kept things under control with my active lifestyle. It is my hope that all is well and this is just a passing incidence. I’ll know more next week!
Oh, thank goodness you are okay. It is important that we learn to listen to our bodies, especially when the warning signs are there, I am the biggest non-listener.
Thanks Liz! You are so correct, we MUST listen to our bodies. I’m so glad I went and got checked out!
OMG! I am glad you ok! I know it was scary but glad it all ended well.
Ooh, how scary! Glad you’re alright. The portable heart monitor always gives people pause. Had to wear one years ago during a time of extreme stress that I was having minor palpitations.
Thanks Suzanne! I hope your heart is doing well now too!
Very glad to know you are ok. Thanks for sharing your story. We always think of chest pains as a sign of heart trouble now I know some other symptoms to watch out for.
Thank you! And so very true, I had no idea passing out could be an indicator for heart issues!
Catching up…yikes! So glad you followed through to check it out and that you are well.
Thanks Deb! I’m glad too. Now on to the next but I’ve been through this surgery before so I feel good about it.