How do you feel? Feel good?
Feel 100%?
I know I did the weeks leading up to my stroke. I was, at that time, in the best shape of my life*. I had already been exercising and watching my diet for 8 months, so the stroke was a big surprise.
Do you know what else was a big surprise? Learning that I had a minor heart attack at some point previously and that my left anterior descending (LAD) artery was 70% blocked!
The clock had been quietly ticking on having an infamous “widowmaker” heart attack. One that I would likely not have survived.
Because I felt so great. Because I had no symptoms. And despite having so many risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, years of obesity) I had never had an EKG, never had a stress test, and never thought a stroke would be the event that would lead to me discovering that I had a major blockage in my heart.
With February being #HeartMonth, it’s time for a wake-up call. If, like me, you have any of the following family history risk factors, be sure to talk to your doctor about precautions, medications, or lifestyle changes you should make to improve your heart health:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Heart attacks/strokes (close family, 55 & under)
- Diabetes
A potential heart attack can easily be hiding in plain sight. A sobering thought, I know. Yet, it’s a real one. By taking steps early, you can reduce your risks, improve your health, and enjoy more years to leave your legacy.
*I continue to make improvements and achieve new heights of health