Hearts of Valor Inc. is dedicated to spreading community awareness about the realities surrounding cardiovascular disease, including prevalence, risk factors, symptoms, and barriers to treatment. Our Heartfelt Testimonies campaign serves as a platform for members of the community that have been impacted by cardiovascular disease to share their stories. It is our objective that these testimonies provide guidance, encouragement, and hope for those currently suffering from cardiovascular disease; as well as, cognizance for those who may be at risk.
Dawn: Patient Advocate
Compared to those with health insurance, the uninsured receive less care for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes and they experience higher mortality. Dawn demonstrates the importance of having an health advocate during a medical crisis.
Leo: Heart Transplant Survivor
Cardiovascular disease can be a silent killer. Leo shares with us his journey with cardiovascular disease and the subtle symptoms that flew under the radar.
Attim: Heart Attack Survivor
Leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke are high blood pressure, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, obesity, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. The four signs of a silent heart attack are:
- Chest pain, pressure, fullness, or discomfort
- Discomfort in other areas of your body
- Difficulty breathing and dizziness
- Nausea and cold sweats
Know the silent signs of a heart attack — and DON’T ignore them.
Natasha: Healthcare Advocate
A patient’s advocate is often a family member or close friend who stands up for a loved one’s rights in a medical setting. A health advocate accompanies the patient, takes notes, and works as part of the patient’s care team to ensure that they receive the best and most compassionate care.
Shenise: Hypertension Patient
Shenise shares her experience with regulating her blood pressure with nutrition and physical activity. According to the Mayo Clinic, weight loss is one of the most effective lifestyle changes for controlling blood pressure. If you’re overweight or struggle with obesity, losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce blood pressure.