By Julie Llamas Rickman
I felt so guilty about my heart attack, it took me four years to tell my closest friends.
I was embarrassed because I hadn't controlled those lifestyle issues.
I had a family history of heart disease, but didn't think I was at risk for a heart attack. I was on medication to lower my cholesterol and trying to lose weight, but didn't feel sick.
I'd never seen a woman having a heart attack on TV or in the movies. It was always men.
Two days after Christmas, at age 41, I went to the emergency department (or, ER) for shortness of breath and fatigue. I thought it was asthma.
But after sharing my family history of heart disease, doctors ordered testing that revealed two blockages, requiring a stent, and evidence that I had a heart attack sometime during the past month.
I can't change the increased risk that comes from a family history of heart disease, but I can lower my risks through lifestyle choices. Eighty percent of heart disease is preventable.
I love to cook, which helped me create heart-healthy versions of my childhood favorites, and I now pack meals with fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Tacos in a tortilla are now lean ground turkey in a crisp lettuce leaf. I add flavor using seasonings rather than salt to reduce sodium in my diet.
Before, I wasn't paying attention to my diet and was eating processed foods. Now, I'm in control of my diet. After my heart attack, everyone in my family knew it was critical that we changed our diet to reduce sodium and increase the number of fruits and vegetables we ate.
AHA offers heart-healthy recipes and tips for modifying family favorites.
I am adamant about making time for exercise and consulting with her doctors when something doesn't feel right.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity (or a combination of both) each week. This can easily be done by getting 30 minutes of moderate activity five times a week.
After overcoming my guilt, I encourage women to talk about their heart health and better understand their risks.
A way of learning about heart disease risks is to schedule an annual Well-Woman Visit, a prevention check-up to review a woman's overall health so her doctor can measure blood pressure, check cholesterol and look for signs of heart disease, stroke and other illnesses.
I'm a busy working mom and a caregiver, but if I don't put myself first, I won't be able to help others.
Join me and Go Red For Women in the fight against heart disease and stroke among women. Wear Red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 5 and show you Go Red!
Julie Llamas Rickman is a national volunteer for Go Red For Women.