I'm proud to be on a team of changemakers making a real impact on the state of women's health.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. The American Heart Association Go Red for Women movement's Woman of Impact campaign is working to change that.
I am deeply honored to share my journey as a nominee for the American Heart Association's Woman of Impact, an initiative that resonates profoundly with me, given that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the United States-more than cancer, more than accidents. It's alarming how easily this critical issue can be overlooked, yet many of us have been touched by it.
In my life, I have seen the devastating impact of cardiovascular disease on the women I love. My sister-in-law, who was just in her late thirties, tragically passed away from a massive heart attack. She had no idea she was experiencing symptoms because they didn't align with the "typical" signs we often associate with heart issues. Sadly, her story is not unique; it reflects a broader reality for many women.
Another heart-wrenching experience involves my dear cousin, who is just five days younger than me. We grew up together, sharing countless memories. About four years ago, she reached out to me, expressing her confusion and fear. "I don't know if I'm crazy," she said. "My stomach hurts, and suddenly, my chest does too." She found herself caught in a frustrating cycle, bouncing between gastrointestinal specialists and cardiologists, both of whom couldn't pinpoint the cause of her distress.
During one of our conversations, she suddenly said, "I'm having an attack." Recognizing the classic signs-shortness of breath and chest pain-she described a nagging discomfort that radiated through her stomach. I urged her to go to the hospital immediately.
Fortunately, we arrived just in time. A gastroenterologist assessed her condition and, despite normal lab results, sensed that something was amiss. He called for a cardiac consult, and although the cardiologist initially anticipated finding nothing unusual, a cardiac catheterization revealed the shocking truth: my cousin had three-vessel disease, with her circumferential artery 99% blocked. She had been unknowingly living with a condition that could have cost her life.
After the procedure, the cardiologist said to me, "You saved her life." That moment remains etched in my own heart.
Heart disease unfairly targets women, who have been left out of research, testing, treatment and funding. Women have been underrepresented, undertreated, and undercounted. But it doesn't have to be this way. Because there's one source of support women can always count on - each other.\u200b
Together, we can engage more women in research. We can fight for equitable access to care and treatments. And we can be a catalyst to create health solutions with women's unique health needs in mind, supporting them through every age, stage, and season of life.
It's not just about wearing red. It's not just about sharing heart health facts. It's about all women connecting and committing to stand together against our greatest health threat. \u200b
The time is now. Are you with me? To support my campaign, click the Donate button.