â¤ï¸ This year, the Heart Walk is personal for me.
I live with hypertension and heart-related concerns, and it has made me much more aware of something women often overlook: the toll chronic stress can take on our cardiovascular health.
As women, we can become so accustomed to carrying everything—our careers, our families, our children, our homes, everyone else’s needs—that stress starts to feel normal. But our bodies still feel it.
Chronic stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. The scary part? High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, which is why knowing your numbers and getting regular medical care matter.
I’m sharing this because I want other women to remember that taking care of your heart isn’t selfish. Pay attention to your blood pressure. Keep your appointments. Talk with your healthcare provider about stress and your cardiovascular risk. And please don’t ignore symptoms that concern you.
This year, when I join the Heart Walk, I’ll be walking with a whole new perspective. â¤ï¸
I’m walking for awareness.
I’m walking for healthier hearts.
And this time, I’m walking for mine, too. â¤ï¸ð©¹