Thank you for your interest in "Why I walk".
I moved from Houston, TX to beautiful Charleston, WV in March 2022 and began experiencing some cardiac symptoms around that time. Having been a participant in the Houston Heart Walk with MRC Global on several occasions, and with a family history of heart disease, I knew the warning signs of coronary artery disease and wasted no time getting to CAMC Memorial to get checked. After initial testing, I was referred to a local cardiologist. Follow-up tests showed a blockage of a coronary artery, and I subsequently had a coronary stent procedure to open the artery and improve blood flow to my heart.
I am extremely grateful for the tireless efforts of the AHA to provide information on heart attack and stroke symptoms and promoting early intervention. In my case, I received treatment without ever suffering a heart attack, unlike my father who had a major heart attack and underwent quadruple bypass surgery in his early 50’s. Middle aged men like me tend to ignore or minimize health issues. I walk to encourage others to act quickly when they recognize something isn’t right. Proactive management of heart health and early intervention can literally add decades to your life.